I sincerely believe that chivalry is alive and well. I've had many men do chivalrous things for me, and these are just casual acquaintances in church, at school, and in the community. I appreciate it and encourage it.
I think that some women today have worn that anti-chivalrous badge (which may pervade in her language and body attitude) so much so that men don't want to do these things for them. You know the type..the ones whom utter: "I don't need no man to open the door for me, I can do it myself." Or the ones who will say: "What is he grinning at?" If a man sees a beautiful woman and is overcome, he will go out of his way to let you know it. Even if you aren't all that pretty and you are just feminine, men will go out of their way. At least that's what I've experienced as have my sister and my friends.
At any rate, no I don't think chivalry is dead. I just think that our brethren may not be willing to always give it because these pseudo-feminists whom are walking around acting as if they don't want any man to do anything for them. What's wrong with someone pulling out a chair for you? What's wrong with a man greeting you with a smile? What's wrong with a man seeking friendly conversation with you and then sending you a flower the day after just because? Sistas, I say that there isn't anything wrong with it.
Here's my pondering: Once you have chivalry, do you know what to do with it? Do YOU know how to receive a chivalrous act?
And yes, for me, chivalry is a requirement. It speaks to your heart and how you really feel. But my brethren shouldn't go all out with the chivalry upon meeting me. Chivalry is like perfume (or cologne for the men). If you overdue it, its overpowering and scares people off. But if you spray on a dab here and there, it creates a pleasant aroma and people will want to be in your company. I say that because as "just friends" there isn't that much of a need for the intensified chivalry. But when you get to that seriously dating level, then it may be time to pull out all stops. But event then, you should just slightly intensify your play. To go back to the perfume example, you should just intensify the power of your scent without overpowering. That may mean that instead of just sprinkling the perfume on, you bathe with the perfumed shower gel and apply some perfumed lotion, but still not strong. You want to provide the right balance in your chivalrous acts.
(Sorry for the long post, but I just felt a need to provide a lesson in Chivalry 101)
[This message has been edited by nikki25 (edited June 28, 2001).]
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