Is Chivalry Dead in Dating? Stop Settling for Less

The feminist movements of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries led to much more power for women in the workplace. But have we also gained more power in our private lives? Maybe not. And there’s one big problem — we may have killed off chivalry. All the old chivalry toward a woman — opening her door, paying for their dates — can now be met with hostility. Today, men must be careful because they could offend a woman by offering a helping hand. Not only can this cause confusion and frustration among men, but they naturally stop offering these nice gestures. Women believe they shouldn’t need a man. If a man helps, she may feel offended as if it implies, she is weak or helpless. Or ashamed because she shouldn’t need any help. The result is what Aprilla Beverly Jenkins observed, “Chivalry isn’t dead; you just started settling for a lot less.” What could be wrong with encouraging men to value honor, courtesy, and helpfulness? These are worthwhile virtues in a high-quality man. We all need help sometimes and there is no shame in it. Plus, a little chivalry can spark romantic feelings in us. It can feel good when a man makes you feel special. What’s wrong with more of that?

What’s the True Definition of Feminism?

The women’s movement was about fighting for equality. But does that mean we must be so fiercely independent that we can’t let…