Chivalry: Dead or Alive?

In a world filled with late-night booty calls, infidelity and one-night flings mentality, it’s easy to become tired of today’s dating scene. As women, we brace ourselves for the worst, proceeding with extreme caution during the first few months, for fear of falling victim to the aforementioned depravity in which so many men partake. With this in mind, it’s a welcome respite when we finally meet a true gentleman.

They exude chivalry with even their smallest actions, and remind us that there are still good ones out there. It doesn’t take a grand gesture or costly display of affection to win a girl over. Often, it just takes a little sincerity and display of genuine romantic interest. Despite popular opinion, chivalry is not dead — here a few everyday gestures of men that prove chivalry is very much alive:

1. Opening doors: A guy who makes it his point of duty to open the car door and ensure his girl is seated before he enters is a keeper; recognize and appreciate a man who puts your comfort and well-being first

2. Saving the last bite of food: They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So, when he saves the last bite for you, it’s basically him saying he likes you more than whatever meal is in front of him.

3. Spending time with your family: A guy who shows an interest in your baby and family photos and compliments your mother’s cooking is a guy who’s in it for the long haul. These are small gestures, but they speak volumes about his intentions.

4. Suffering through a girly movie: A man who volunteers to go see a girly movie with you without expecting something in return, is a keeper.

5. Sending flowers: Excluding Valentines Day or your birthday, if he picked up some flowers on the way home or had them delivered to your office unexpectedly, he’s really into you. There’s just something about unexpected flowers that makes a girl smile.

6. Walking on the outside of the sidewalk: The first time someone does this, you will probably be confused. But then you’ll start to question how come other men in your life have never been concerned about positioning themselves in such a way that you’d be protected should curbside tragedy strike.

7. Kissing your forehead: Sure, if you’re hoping to date someone and he does this, it can be a dreaded sign of sibling-like affection. But, if you’re in a long-term relationship and your guy does this, it’s a small gesture that can make you feel adored.

Chivalry is not dead; men can be everyday knights in shining armor. You just have to learn to spot the subtle, more meaningful gestures.