Comments on: Will the Real Men Please Stand?

By: Jackie

Jackie — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:57:30 +0000

Just wanted you to know I made me 11 and 10 year old sons read this, so they can see how NOT to behave as they get older. They were so surprised that these men acted in such an ungentlemanly way.

By: Sandy

Sandy — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 01:21:44 +0000

I have a 19 year old son (and now I feel elderly). He was recently at the DMV where he watched a mom with a stroller trying to get in the door while two men on cell phones ignored her and let her struggle with it by herself. My son was already inside, the men were right there in the entry area. He said he was getting ready to go over himself when the mom finally managed to get the stroller through. He had, shall we say, less than kind words for these two men. In fact, he had words I can’t repeat here. He found it inexcusable that a woman would have to struggle with a stroller while two able-bodied men pretended not to notice. So take heart. Chivalry is alive and well, just apparently not all that common.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:20:44 +0000

How frustrating for you! However, I don’t think it’s too surprising! I live in Tennessee and opening doors & giving up seats is non-existant for the most part! (Not to say there aren’t some men who are completely gentleman-y out there!)

My husband is the type of man who opens doors and tries to be helpful towards women but he is sometimes a little cautious because he has had women refuse, open the other door, or hold onto the door he is opening (I guess they think he’s gonna let it go to hurt them!) This is frustrating to him because he’s just trying to be a gentleman! So I think the attitudes of some women has caused men to be a little afraid!

I am expecting my first son in April and we are going to raise him to be a true southern gentleman!

(And I had to laugh that you wrote you are an “elderly pregnant lady”! You are not old & definitely don’t look elderly!!)

By: Raven

Raven — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:07:11 +0000

Just ridiculous! Thank you for the reminder that I need to raise a gentleman. Right now he’s only 1, but it’s never too early to start training, right? May you meet better men along the road next time.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:47:45 +0000

I am so glad you wrote this post, I missed it a few days ago when it was posted and just went back to read it (I love your blog!!) and you know I haven’t put too much thought into this- I mean I make my nepfew and son use proper names (ms. or mr.) and tell them to be nice to girls but ya know i never really focused more so on what “being nice” is for them. Thanks so much for this wonderful post, this will be on my mind to remember to teach them what nice is and to offer help to those clearly in need.

By: Smockity Frocks

Smockity Frocks — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 05:53:45 +0000

@MOM, LOVE YOU!

By: MOM

MOM — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 01:30:57 +0000

I am really frustrated at the treatment you experienced at the airport. But, I agree with the other ladies, he was just a weirdo. I think the suggestion of telling him thank him for giving you his seat is very appropriate. As far as the man on the plane, I think he may have been just trying to get his jollies from your rear end crossing in front of him so closely.

You diffently do not look pregnant and you do not look old. You are one of the most beautiful women I know. Of course, I may be just a little biased since I am your MOM. But, I am not the only one who thinks this.

Love you Lots
MOM

By: Smockity Frocks

Smockity Frocks — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:07:05 +0000

@Kelly @ Wisdom Begun, Thank you, Kelly! I should have said in the post that SO many sweet ladies at Blissdom helped me when I was carrying a load. I think being strangers makes people feel like they really aren't obligated to help. And my husband pointed out the same thing about how many women respond to gentlemanly acts.

By: Kelly @ Wisdom Begun

Kelly @ Wisdom Begun — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:53:07 +0000

First of all, you are SO not an “elderly” pregnant lady. (You are, in fact, one of the cutest pregnant ladies I have ever seen.

Secondly, now I am trying to wrack my brain to see if I offered to help you at any point at the airport in Nashville. (And if I didn’t, then, well, I am so sorry! )

We are definitely trying to raise our son to be a gentleman. However, like other commentors have said, women are so repulsed by men who act like gentleman. My husband is always opening doors and giving up seats for women. Usually he gets rude looks or grunts. Very rarely does he get a “thank you.”

I live in the South and unfortunately, the South just ain’t what it used to be.

By: Linda C

Linda C — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:54:39 +0000

I am so sorry that it was your misfortune to be traveling with those particularly rude men those days!!– especially in the South! It has been my wonderful experience to be treated so nicely most of the time when traveling or needing help. We are from the upper Midwest now, but lived 7 years in Nashville and have since returned for visits and I just love being called “honey” and “sweety” by the clerks at southern gas stations!!
Anyway, we have raised 5 sons ( and one daughter) -youngest 19 yrs. old- and have received compliments all along about how polite and kind they are. I have to say that they learned a lot from watching my husband open car doors, help others, etc. – and by me guiding and reminding them how to help- and to open their eyes and notice what was going on around them –does anybody need your assistance?:)