I am the epitome of hopeless romantics. I cry at all the sappy chick flick movies, I still believe in fairy tales and most of all I still believe that chivalry exists.
There are the few doubters that think that in this day and age, chivalry has been viciously murdered by the younger generation. To some extent, this could be considered true. There are so many young men who don’t actually know how to properly treat a woman. And yes, some of them still think that its acceptable to flirt with a girl using middle school techniques. I don’t care how old you are, teasing a girl or poking her with pencils or putting gum in her hair is not cool. If you have you have used any of these techniques, or derivatives of them, I’m sorry to break it to you, but you probably won’t receive the attention you want from her.
I actually looked up the definition of chivalry just to find the real meaning in it. Chivalry first appeared in the medieval times and signified the way knights handled their horses. In some ways that makes sense: show it respect, treat it well, etc. But in the 21st century, things have definitely changed. Unless you live in England or Europe you probably won't meet a knight in white shinning armor that will whisk you away, ride off into the sunset, fall hopelessly in love with you and treat you like a princess in his royal castle. It's time to get off that fantasy horse and face reality.
Today, men probably won't be using techniques to handle horses for women. That will come with a hoof kick in the wrong place. But it suggests that the principles are the same, but the execution is definitely different.
First thing is first: the three R's. I will go all Aretha Franklin if I have to but in truth, it is such a simple concept. Respect yourself, respect others and responsibility for your actions. The Dali Lama takes all the credit there. If you can't respect yourself as an individual, chances are you won't be able to pull off the second task. I won't go all Aretha Franklin on you (R-E-S-P-E-C-T) but it's a big deal. This is something unbeknown to the human eye and it is constantly taken advantage of. At the end of the day it it something truly powerful to be able to respect yourself and respect others. There is no greater courtesy than that.
For those who do believe in chivalry you might visualize something along the lines of a "gentleman" opening the door for a lady, offering his coat to her or even tipping his hat as he walks by. Though this may sound grand in any woman's ear, it is so much simpler. It's not chivalry. It's kindness and consideration. It's small gestures that puts a smile on someones face. It's a moment when an individual takes a couple of seconds out of their day to spend it on a perfect stranger.
When looking at all of the death and destruction in our world, simple courtesy to strangers puts a smile on my face and gives me a little hope for humanity. "Chivalry" is just good hearted selflessness. Why shouldn't it be embraced and practiced in our everyday lives?
From another stand point (that is not necessarily feminist), chivalry can be overdone. I was once in a relationship where this young man would open every door and pull every chivalrous move in the book. There came a point where I said enough. I would much prefer you start up a warm car and let me open my own damn door. I would much prefer you let me do something myself so I don't feel completely helpless. Really, it's cute but with a grain of salt please.
Chivalry exists, it's just changed incredibly. It's the small things that add up and make you smile. But don't over do yourself.
Stay Excellent.
-E
I actually looked up the definition of chivalry just to find the real meaning in it. Chivalry first appeared in the medieval times and signified the way knights handled their horses. In some ways that makes sense: show it respect, treat it well, etc. But in the 21st century, things have definitely changed. Unless you live in England or Europe you probably won't meet a knight in white shinning armor that will whisk you away, ride off into the sunset, fall hopelessly in love with you and treat you like a princess in his royal castle. It's time to get off that fantasy horse and face reality.
Today, men probably won't be using techniques to handle horses for women. That will come with a hoof kick in the wrong place. But it suggests that the principles are the same, but the execution is definitely different.
First thing is first: the three R's. I will go all Aretha Franklin if I have to but in truth, it is such a simple concept. Respect yourself, respect others and responsibility for your actions. The Dali Lama takes all the credit there. If you can't respect yourself as an individual, chances are you won't be able to pull off the second task. I won't go all Aretha Franklin on you (R-E-S-P-E-C-T) but it's a big deal. This is something unbeknown to the human eye and it is constantly taken advantage of. At the end of the day it it something truly powerful to be able to respect yourself and respect others. There is no greater courtesy than that.
For those who do believe in chivalry you might visualize something along the lines of a "gentleman" opening the door for a lady, offering his coat to her or even tipping his hat as he walks by. Though this may sound grand in any woman's ear, it is so much simpler. It's not chivalry. It's kindness and consideration. It's small gestures that puts a smile on someones face. It's a moment when an individual takes a couple of seconds out of their day to spend it on a perfect stranger.
When looking at all of the death and destruction in our world, simple courtesy to strangers puts a smile on my face and gives me a little hope for humanity. "Chivalry" is just good hearted selflessness. Why shouldn't it be embraced and practiced in our everyday lives?
From another stand point (that is not necessarily feminist), chivalry can be overdone. I was once in a relationship where this young man would open every door and pull every chivalrous move in the book. There came a point where I said enough. I would much prefer you start up a warm car and let me open my own damn door. I would much prefer you let me do something myself so I don't feel completely helpless. Really, it's cute but with a grain of salt please.
Chivalry exists, it's just changed incredibly. It's the small things that add up and make you smile. But don't over do yourself.
Stay Excellent.
-E
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