Chivalry

Chivalry, some say, is dead. I've long thought that if that's true, feminism killed it. In my Florida adventure, I found some loosely linked evidence to support my theory.

Chivalry in the LDS, Hispanic, Miami culture I saw is still very alive. For example: two different gentlemen opened the car door for me to get out of the car. I wasn't even on a date with them. I don't think that has ever happened to me before. I felt so very special. (Not "special," Dad.) However, I'm not sure it was worth the tradeoff.

Both of these gentlemen waited at the table to be served by their wife/mother, who had prepared, was serving, and would perform all of the cleanup of the meal. One of these men even told Kevin, upon finding out he cooked that he should have burned it the first time so he wouldn't be in his current predicament. He said it in jest, but after his wife named the two things he would do for her in the kitchen, I could see the truth in the joke. Don't get me wrong. Both were good men, kind men, intelligent, interesting men, they just didn't help out around the house, despite having excellent manners.

So I guess the question is whether you'd like your man to always have a hankie to offer you, or if you'd like him to help you fold the laundry and do the dishes. If you're especially lucky you might find a compromise: a man who can offer a Kleenex and opens your door to get in the car, but not out, and a man who cooks and cleans.

It appears, dear friends, that I win. Neener neener.