Chivalry...for men alone?

Source: google

A little boy of eight was complaining to his mother. " In school, i get hit by Zoe for no reason at all and you told me never to beat up a girl. She teases me mercilessly, calling me names. She knows i won't do anything but i would surprise her with a slap tomorrow...that should teach her a lesson". His mother replied; " No, don't do that! You must never beat up a woman. It is wrong". "Is it right for her to keep hitting me? It's not fair!"

Men are expected to be chivalrous while the women are allowed to treat the men with no consideration.It takes a well mannered lady to treat a man with the respect he deserves.

What does chivalry mean?

What comes to mind when you hear the word 'chivalry' is knighthood. In old England, to the knights, it meant noble qualities such as courage, gallantry, courtesy, honour and above all willingness to help the weak.

Generally and more importantly, in this modern age, chivalry means polite, kind and courteous behaviour especially of men towards women. It is a kind of behavior handed from one generation to the next. There is a certain way a man should treat a lady. Modern day women whether they are willing to admit it or not are impressed by chivalrous behaviour. Anything contrary to that is considered rude.

What does chivalry entail?

Now that equality of sexes is the 'in thing', it is difficult for the men to know how far to go with chivalry without appearing to treat the lady like a weaker vessel. The best thing to do is to do all with respect. Don't treat the lady like someone frail unable to do things herself. Chivalry includes;

1. Complimenting not only your lady but others deserving of it.

2. Give her your coat when its cold. Give her your coat to protect her from the harsh weather. It shows your kindness and consideration.
   
   Source:google

3. Holding doors opens. Ever heard of the phrase 'ladies first'? This applies to building doors as well as car doors.I believe it shows your respect for her as a woman. This is not only for the ladies but also for the elderly, sick and pregnant women.
   
   Source:google

4. Walking on the outer side of the sidewalk or road. This is to protect her from vehicles, splashes of muddy water and other irritations.

5. Paying for the first date. She can help out on subsequent dates. Asking a lady to pay on the first date is considered rude.
   
   Source:google

6. Pulling out the chair for her to sit and pushing it closer to the table after.

7. Stand up for her when she is harrased especially by aggressive men.
   
   Source:google

8. Never reprimand her in public. Doing the contrary means you have no respect for her.

9. Walk a lady to her door after a date.

10. Offer a lady first choice on dates, be it dinner menu, movie choice and so on.

11. Never forgetting important dates and anniversaries.

Can women be chivalrous?

I believe yes! Just as women want to know they are loved and respected by their men, also men want to be appreciated and respected. As good mannered women, the kind consideration shown by men should not be taken for granted. Men also deserve to be treated with respect and kindness. Their chivalry should not be taken as normal...an expected behaviour. Take care of your man, do nice things without being asked.
I believe chivalry isn't just for men or the women alone. Chivalry is for everyone, male or female, old or young. Kind consideration to others should be a culture to build a better society.