The key is to realize that times HAVE changed (although I'm not sure that this type of chivalry was ever universal). Some women deserve to receive this kind of courteousness, and some don't. Be shrewd enough to make the distinction.

Sauders post is important, I think. It outlines the difference between 'being' a gentleman, and 'acting' like a gentleman, to get what you would consider as the 'reward'. in this case.. it would 'get' you the girl.
Sauder made a decision, that even if no one appreciated his manners, or that it didnt get him the girl,.. he was going to do it anyway.. he would carry on having manners and standards of behaviour for himself, wether they were beneficial or not. That is 'being' a gentleman.
Women are very good at knowing who is really a gentleman, and who is acting the gentleman to get their reward. It's an act that slips. After all, being a gentleman is no more than having kindness, and respect for someone else. Its just being a good honourable human being. Women, the sensible ones,.. know that if a man shows kindness, consideration,.. and respect to others, then he's most likely going to treat her that way too. Thats what we want.. but there are too many so called 'nice' guys who arent reallly that nice at all, they're just acting nice,.. and it soon starts to show if they're putting on an act.
Being a gentleman should'nt be for the perceived reward,.. it should be its own reward. You'll be growing and evolving as a man and a human being.. you'll be a mensch. its something every man should aspire to. Miss Eyre.

.. but there are too many so called 'nice' guys who arent reallly that nice at all, they're just acting nice,.. and it soon starts to show if they're putting on an act.
Being a gentleman should'nt be for the perceived reward,.. it should be its own reward. You'll be growing and evolving as a man and a human being.. you'll be a mensch. its something every man should aspire to. Miss Eyre.

Hey cowboy, I like that response. I have actually been pushed through a door after opening it for a woman. She got pissed off and pushed me ahead of her.....

My question is, do you hold open doors for little, shuffling old men too? Or is it just the pretty ladies? That's what shows true character right there. I have seen a man jump in front of a door to hold it for a pretty girl, but totally ignore the little old dude, and I thought that was downright deplorable.

crayonzz; Msg: 143 - Stuff the chivaliry. Its something that any real woman, with ant real brains, would be happy to abandon.

Chivalry’s Origins
It is known that knighthood and the concept of chivalry date back to the early centuries of Medieval Europe. The exact region or group responsible for the primary influence of chivalry’s birth is, however, often debated. Some scholars have traced it to 12th century France while others maintain that it is of Arabic origin, transmitted to Europe through Muslim Spain. There are many others that insist it began in the Scandinavian countries. Nevertheless, the concept and ceremony of knighthood and chivalry probably originated from the interaction and combination of very early military customs, the nature of Medieval warfare with its emphasis on cavalry and the impact of Christian influences. It is reasonably evident that the principles of chivalry are of Gothic origin, influenced by the strong religious character of the early Middle Ages.
Although religious character, which distinguished ancient chivalry, arose out of the manner of the times and the state of society, it is evident that the feudal system, although it did not actually give birth to chivalry, was instrumental in bringing it to maturity. The feudal system was a structured system of defense and governance whereby knights were rewarded with land and privileges in return for fighting and governing.
Early in the 11th century, the rudiments of the laws of chivalry were defined by the Council of Clermont in France. In 1025, several archbishops authored a set of laws for the maintenance of order and protection of the weak, and submitted these to the Council of Clermont which confirmed them.
This chivalric code compelled a knight to be brave, courageous, honorable, true to his word, loyal to his feudal overlord, to defend the Church, protect the weak, aid the poor, seek justice and revere pure womanhood. This set of high standards of conduct significantly refined the character of Medieval civilization and later had a profound impact on the shape of modern life. The conduct and ideals of the knightly class of the Middle Ages came to be standardized and referred to as “chivalry,” a term derived from the French word “chevalier,” meaning knight.

Not long ago, chivalry was a concept that was largely ignored. It was something that was known to literary scholars and history professors, but it didn’t seem to have any place in the world of business, sports, politics or relationships in the modern world. Women had been taught that displays of chivalry were demeaning and condescending, and men had come to believe that courtesy and respectful attitudes weren’t “manly.”
Recently, however, those ideas have changed. Current events and front-page headlines have made us all aware of how crucial ethical conduct and personal integrity are in creating a fair and functional society. New understandings of issues such as military ethics, political integrity, athletic scandals, gang violence, cheating in school and the workplace, road rage and corporate accountability — not to mention the simple desire to restore a sense of tolerance, discipline and fair play to the world at large — have brought the ideals of chivalry and honor to the level of a national debate like never before.
People are realizing that the 21st century needs a Code of Chivalry.
And people are realizing that anyone — men and women, teachers and coaches, students and soldiers, doctors and athletes — any one of us can be a knight in shining armor.