Wierd Old Etiquette

The Wheaton Record pointed out this odd fun bit: The 1950 etiquette handbook gave this tip... "The protective male is usually on the ball unless he overdoes it. Just remember that she's fragile and absolutely unable to do anything for herself - including giving her order to the waiter - so if you keep the situation well in hand you'll be all right. And don't let her independent attitude fool you. Women love to be pampered".

So, as a normal woman, no, as a human being, I find this at the least a bit annoying and sadly humorous. Thankfully, things have changed - or should I be so thankful? Of course we are certainly closer to gender equality when women are certainly able to do most things by ourselves. But I still get annoyed when a man does not offer to help if I am visibly struggling with something. However if he offered to help I might get defensive and tell him I can do it on my own. AHHH... Progress. Poor guys.

A few weeks ago I was entering my church building. We do not have our own building, so we rent the auditorium of the local community center. There is also a work out facility at the community center. These two guys were entering the building just before me. One was entering the doorway. One guy stopped to hold the door open for me and allow me go in before him and the other who was on his way in stopped and backed out and allowed me to enter before him too!!! All I could say was "wow". Then I thanked them and went on my way. So to the dudes, whoever you are, you definitely made an impression... and a good one.