Why We Should Cling To Chivalry: What Gen-Y Men Can Learn From Their Predecessors
Before porn and plastic surgery, men were forced to consider women beyond such complete shallow depth. They were simply attracted to what women naturally offered. Consider "The Great Gatsby." Sure, the era was replete with some of today’s negative influences like lust, cheating and general hedonism, but chivalry was not dead.
Maybe women are at fault as well for this ungentlemanly evolution, but the fact remains that men don’t act as they did a mere century ago regarding the art of courtship, and they certainly no longer put in the effort where the effort is due.
With society’s growing dependence on communication shortcuts like texting, the formula to create a relationship has become almost too easy. Though this low effort, high output model to spark a love connection has made things significantly easier, the developments have come at the cost of sincerity; men no longer make extensive efforts to win over a woman.
That early period in a relationship, when both parties are supposed to be their most charming selves has completely diminished. So, if you are lucky enough to have a man who still abides by the description of a “gentleman,” throw a harness around him and lock him away forever — you’re lucky.
The way I see it, too many of the men of Generation-Y are wimps. Many would rather Instagram a picture of a date than focus on it. Pathetic. There is no reason to substitute real interaction with social media.
Also, if you’re picking a girl up from her house, don’t honk your horn in her driveway or just flash your lights. Go to the door, meet her parents and introduce yourself. Let them see what kind of guy their daughter is seeing. It’s proper courtesy and it’ll make her parents like you — it’ll probably make her like you more too.
In older times, it was a major milestone in a relationship when a certain three words came into the mix. No, I’m not referring to “wanna go upstairs?” I’m talking about “I love you” -- plain and simple and straight from the heart.
In our world today, "I love you" still holds weight, but for many, it’s become a desensitized moniker, just something that you say after a certain amount of time has passed. Something expected. Don’t give in — let the anticipation build! Let it be a milestone. It will hold so much more meaning once you actually mean it, and she’ll know you’re genuine since you waited so long to say it.
Maybe we should also take a note out of our forefather’s book regarding how long to wait for sex. I know, I know, not a popular idea, but hear me out. Why rush it? Sure, fooling around is fun and pretty much the norm today, but if more guys waited until monogamy, the whole act would mean so much more. Don’t assume that just because you’re alone with a girl, it’s an invitation to grope her.
If more guys followed guidelines of the past, the entire notion of respectful relationships wouldn’t be in such jeopardy today. Chivalry doesn’t have to be dead, and in practice, it’ll make everyone much more happy if it stays alive.
Top Photo Courtesy: Blue Devil Tumblr
