Bring Back Chivalry, Please

Some time last week two gentlemen friends took me out to lunch. In itself, nothing to rave about. However, I had such a wonderful time that I realise now it's been forever since I was taken out and pampered and treated like a princess. 

There was a [request to paint my nails, wear my hair in loose curls and put on a dress]. Lunch was at a swanky-type restaurant in MBS and was by no means cheap. 

The food was delicious, conversation, easy. Aside from the restaurant staff's impeccable service, I was also impressed (and surprised) by how giggly I was simply because [an arm or hand appeared] every time I had to navigate a step, threshold or (*shudder*) the terrifying modernity that is the escalator.  And since I had not one but TWO escorts it turns out I often had a [protective, guiding hand on the small of my back] at the same time another was proffered for balance.

Let me also rewind a little bit at this point - the decision to have lunch there wasn't made by me. I was [offered the option] to pick a place but having relinquished that right [the choice was made for me]. 

Once I knew what I wanted, one of my dates decided that he would [order for us]. And when lunch was over, asked if I wanted dessert. The restaurant didn't have what I wanted so he suggested we move elsewhere for a post-lunch coffee or tea.

Again there was the offer of letting me pick a place... but as I was unfamiliar with the mall's offerings I graciously declined to choose and [allowed the men to decide]. I made my way to a specialty tea shoppe in a manner befitting royalty- squire on either side of me, both always just half a step ahead.  Bodyguard much? I was beaming. It isn't often that this girl gets to feel so safe and esteemed. Considering they are best friends, I had expected them to go off on their own, half forgetting that I was there, deeply engrossed in some inane conversation about soccer, beer or the latest gadget trends. (I'm stereotyping, I know, but hey, all I have to go on is past experience right?)

Once we were seated and menus presented, I left the table to visit the washroom. Upon my return I enquired as to whether the guys had ordered. [No, we were waiting for you], came the reply. I was touched, nay, honoured.

The rest of the afternoon goes on in this fashion. I come away feeling admired, adored, pampered. Precious and Princess-y. And why shouldn't I?

So I say this...bring back Chivalry. Let the men decide. Let them take control.  Let them display their manhood. Let them treat their women like women!

To the feminists (and I'm all for gender equality in the work-place, mind you!) who think I'm taking a step backwards I say this - If you're always complaining that your men aren't stepping up to the plate (and they're weak / soft / indecisive) - why not let them wear the pants which, oh, I KNOW we wear so well, and give them a chance to show us what they're made of?

See the bits in red brackets? Those are the things boys don't do these days. Yes, I said BOYS. Equality is all well and good but here's the thing, women only crave equality so that we can fill in the gaps left by the men who aren't filling them in, and perhaps rightly so. If we need to do the dirty work, why SHOULDN'T we be given recognition for it? What puzzles me, though, is why those gaps exist in the first place!