DOORS

It started on our first date. He opened the door and held out his hand to help me out of his red Dodge Colt. It survived the 12 passenger Chevy van days and continues with the CRV.

When I was in Young Women classes as a teenage girl we were taught that if a boy did not open doors for us after a gentle reminder--sit patiently and wait--then that young man was not worth a second date. We were taught that having a man open a door for a woman was an outward sign of respect. If he offered that courtesy toward you in public you had a good chance that he would be respectful in private as well.

It takes patience to wait as he walks around the car or hurries to the building and reaches in front to play his part, but I have learned to enjoy being treated special. It is a private moment of respect and love that I have learned to appreciate.

Girls--SLOW DOWN--let him do nice things for you. Then you will feel inclined to do nice things for him and all of the world will be happier, kinder and more gentle. We all know that you can do it for yourself, but when you wait you let him feel like a king. The only reason chivalry may be dead is because the women killed it.

So, the next time a man tries to open a door for you simply wait a moment for him to do so, then smile and say 'thank you'. Two people will have a nice day.