Is Chivalry Sexist or Respectful?

I like chivalry.

Yes, I admit it. I know I'm not supposed to, but I actually like it when men open doors for me, and take my coat, and do all of those other little things that modern feminism says I should find horrifying and offensive. I know it's supposed me make me feel belittled and patronized, but instead I find it makes me feel special, and feminine, and even protected and somehow treasured.

Is that so wrong?

I get their thinking-that doing little things for women implies that we are incapable of doing them for ourselves. And so, chivalry has been called "benevolent sexism," with those nice men stooping down to assist us helpless little women-folk. If that's what chivalry really was, I'd resent it, too. But that's not how I see it. Sure, I'm perfectly capable of opening my own doors. But I see it as a sign of respect-for me and for women in general-when a man does that for me. It is an acknowledgement of the politically incorrect truth that men in general are physically stronger than women. By putting that strength at the service of women, a man is signaling that he respects her, and that he has no intention of using it against her. I have been, I hate to admit, afraid that chivalry is indeed dead-or at least slowly dying. I still see it here are there, mostly among older gentlemen and the younger ones ... [Read the rest of the article at CatholicMatch.com/blog]

---

CatholicMatch.com gives single Catholics the best opportunity to grow in their faith and fall in love. It is the largest, widest-reaching and most dynamic Catholic dating site, home to singles of all ages across the globe. Founded in 1999, CatholicMatch is dedicated to St. Raphael and endorsed by clergy, including members of the Magisterium. The site offers single Catholics an online community like no other – one that encourages and edifies its members through an exclusive temperament test, a first-of-its-kind in-line chat system, polls, a blog and 41 forums, where every dimension of Catholicism and single life is discussed. Sign up today and prepare to make wonderful new friendships while you grow in faith and fall in love!