undergroundsea
Posts: 2400
Joined: 6/27/2004 From: Austin, TX Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: MistressLorelei I say thank you and smile when a male holds a door open for me. I don't think most males who do hold a door open or offer a seat to a woman necessarily want the favor returned ("Here you held the door open for me, now allow me to do the same"). Sure, a thank and a smile is polite and I do the same when someone holds the door open for me. The types of gesture I am thinking of are those that demonstrate some form of initiative to convey a gesture of regard. I agree that most men who perform a chivalrous act do not want the same done in turn. For instance, I am happy to assume responsibility for opening doors without taking turns. However, I think the regard can be conveyed through some other gesture. The point I am bringing to focus in not a barter or an exchange of acts on a quid pro quo basis, but that how regard or gestures of regard can flow in both directions. quote:
I will admit there is a double standard with regards to chivalry, but the males who act in such a way seem to like to do it. I like to receive it... sounds fair to me. Originally, chivalrous behavior included a knightly duty to observe gentleness, graciousness and protection towards women, without expected reciprocation. Why mess with history. Sure, men like to do it and women like to receive it. And chivalrous behavior is done without expectation of, at least, the same behavior in turn. I agree that most men would prefer to open doors for women and not want it the other way around. However, the point is not the specific act, but the act of conveying regard. Sure, the act may be done without reciprocation. Would it not be nice if a gesture of kindness was returned (not necessarily at the same time but in general)? I don't think most men would mind if the regard (versus the specific act) was reciprocated. They might not want it in the same form they give it (opening doors) but I think in general people appreciate a gesture of kindness or regard. If there is a double standard, why is it there, and what if it was not there? Is whatever difference there might be driven by the mismatch in power of sensuality and attraction? As for why mess with history, I doubt this flow of gestures has been completely one sided. If we say that it was for sake of discussion, I think that that one thing was done in a particular way in the past is not a compelling justification for status quo. Thank you for your post. Cheers, Sea
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