Thankful Thursday: Chivalry still lives

It’s Thursday and I am thankful for kindness! My thankfulness was spurred today through something as courteous and simple as a gentleman opening the door for me. 

Two gentlemen in fact, held open the doors for me as I was leaving PANERA. Let me explain why there were two men opening the doors. When approaching a PANERA to enjoy their yummy food and drinks or whatever your reason may be, you first open the outer door and step inside to what is like a foyer and then you reach out to open the inner door which leads into the café. Today, I went there to buy my favorite cinnamon crunch bagel and honey walnut cream cheese. As I was walking toward the exit with my purchase inside a paper bag provided by the cafe, I noticed that two gentlemen were on their way into the cafe but they paused in their walk in order to hold the doors open for me-- one man stood patiently by the inner door and the other was stationed by the outer door. I said a polite and appreciative “thank you” to both gentlemen as I walked through the open doors and headed into the parking lot where my car was parked.

It was during my walk to my car that I wondered why some women, decades after the feminist movement in the U.S.A., still become offended if a man holds open a door for you. I don’t understand why because it does not take away your rights as a woman, your dignity or your respect. It in fact pays tribute to who you are as a woman because it’s the gentleman’s way of acknowledging you as an important and valued person in society. I don’t know about you, but I see it as a sign of respect.

The feminist movement was very important in regards to creating equal rights to work and pay for women and giving ladies a voice and power in the public square that they were previously denied. I am grateful for leaders of the movement like Gloria Steinem and Germaine Geer and the pioneering work they did to improve quality of life in the U.S.A. for women. I believe a lot of good has come as a result of that fearless work. However, when it comes to simple courtesies like a gentleman holding open a door for a lady, I don’t see any wrong in it and I think it’s healthy for society.

Now mind you I don’t go looking for this courtesy—I’m perfectly happy opening my own doors and I am a very capable woman who knows how to take charge and solve problems on my own—but I admit, it always brings a smile to my face when men take time to open the doors for women and step aside so the lady can enter or exit the building. I think it’s sweet! It shows that chivalry is not dead and gentlemen who are respectful to ladies still exist! So yes, ladies we are perfectly capable of opening our own doors BUT if a gentleman wants to open the door for you and treat you like the priceless jewel you are then let him be a gentleman and treat you like a lady…just my advice, take it or leave it.

What are you thankful for?