To begin pondering such a profound subject, let us define gentleman. In simple terms, it is a "gentle" man. One who shows compassion and kindness. Webster claims the term of the hour 'a man who treats other people in a proper and polite way.' So no ladies, chivalry is not, in fact, dead, you just aren't aware of it. You look past the polite ones and go for something you cannot have or shouldn't have.
I promise there is a chivalrous man out there for you. He is the ones who treats everyone with respect both young, and old. He does all he can for the ones closest to him. When a man of this nature is with a women he opens her door, he treats her with utmost respect, he shows how much he cares for her, he protects her. If there is a guy in your life who will sit and talk to you about your shopping spree you had and he is actively listening even though it may be one of the most boring topics, open your eyes! He doesn't actually care for what you bought, he just cares for you and how much fun you had on this trip. You are happy so he is happy. . He does not need to buy you a big fancy dinner out at the nicest restaurant in town to show you he cares. He does not need to spend endless amounts of money on tangible items that you may use once. So he only got you a little bobble head toy in the shape of your favorite animal: he saw this strange little toy at the store, thought of you, and wanted you to know you were on his mind that day. Though small and strange, he cares about you. He is a gentleman. A gentleman is someone who stands up for you and with you. He makes you a better person. He challenges you to think and not only makes your life better but those around him are constantly positively affected by him.
Ladies, think about the men you have in your life. How many of them would do anything to make you happy? How many of them would walk extra quickly to open the door for the old lady in front of them instead of complaining later about how slow she was? How many of them genuinely care about you and not what you can do for them? Do you have any? Okay. Don't lose them. Don't leave them behind while you go chase the one complaining about the old lady. Don't overlook these kind guys because "oh, it's just so and so." It's scary to go for someone that may actually care for you more than you care for them. I get it. But try. At least then you will know whether or not you truly enjoy someone who actually cares for you.
Guys, if you're reading this, the nice guy doesn't actually finish last. Remember the turtle and the hare? Who won? The tortoise won. He was not the predictable outcome but he went on doing exactly as he was doing and was rewarded in the end. Be the nice guy. Stay the nice guy. One day a woman worthy of you will come along and you'll be glad you kept on keeping on.
Gentlemen may not be in the fanciest of suits or the nicest of cars but when they have that one lady of their dreams, they will fee like the richest in the world. In the words of Thomas Rhett, "If all [he's] got is [her] hand in [his] hand he could die a happy man."
Ladies find your gentleman. Males, be that man. May the odds be ever in your favor.
