I am all about women's rights. I believe whole-heartedly that we deserve every political, social and economic benefit men recieve. But I am also all about chivalry. Despite what much of the world seems to believe, there is a place for both.

Chivalry does not have to die for women's rights to live.

I am financially able and willing to pay for my own meal. I am not under the impression that I am incapable of opening a car door for myself. It is extremely unlikely that some great tragedy would occur if a man did not stand when I entered the room. However, all of these things are beside the point. The point is we have forgotten what chivalry is, or what it was, and what it could be again. We have turned chivalry into something offensive when it is truly meant for nothing more than to please those we admire. To display genuine kindness and expect nothing in return. Women see it as a sign that men find them weak when really the point is men find them precious and worthy of devoted protection. This is not to say women should show no sense of independent capability. It is indeed the opposite. You are simply showing courtesy to men when allowing them to show courtesy to you.

"It's the little boy that kisses my hand, the young man who holds the door open for me, and the old man that tips his hat to me. None of it is a reflection of me, but a reflection of them." — Donna Lynn Hope

In a world full of hate and mistrust, it's the little things that are going to count. So men, don't be afraid to hold the door open. Ask a lady on a proper date. Pick her up at her house and meet her parents. Tip your hat to those you see in the street. Help someone with the groceries. Don't second guess yourself about buying flowers for the woman you love. Pull out her chair. Offer your jacket. Walk her to the door.

Respect will never go out of style.

That being said, ladies: Allow them to. It's the little things that count. They are not trying to be sexist, they are trying to be considerate. Obviously there are exceptions. Don't let that ruin the rule. It's a choice you have to make. As for me, I'd like to be treated the way I'd want my mother to be treated. Or my grandmother. Or my daughter. You deserve a gentleman just as much as a gentleman deserves a lady. Wait for the man that treats you as such.

Perhaps I'm old fashioned. Perhaps we live in a new world that doesn't need men to be chivalrous. But in my opinion, there will always be room for kindness. There will always be room for honesty. There will always be room for courtesy and generosity and goodness, and the great many things that chivalry stands for. I think the world could use quite a bit of that right now.