Understanding the fine balance between chauvinism and chivalry

I was recently in a foreign country doing some site inspections for work with a mixed team of women and men. Our shuttle bus came to a stop at one of the sites and the gentleman organizing the week for us said to his colleague "Let me descend first, so that I can help the ladies get off." He got off, and held his hand out for each lady, helping her get off the shuttle bus. Another interesting little tidbit: while in this country, men wouldn't let me carry my own suitcase.

On the other extreme end of the chivalry/chauvinism scale you'll find a subsection of the male population of New York City. You know who they are. They're the ones who will cut in front of anyone waiting for the subway and push them out of the way, just so they can get a seat first. They're the ones who will then stare at the girl that they just cut off, check her out & try to make eyes at her, never pausing to think that she's most likely mentally dismantling every bone in his body.

Both are extreme cases, and neither's necessary. The trick is to take care of yourself first and always, and to just be kind to others - not because they're frail little females who can't lug their own suitcase, or because you want to get in their drawers, but simply because you're human; and so is the lady next to you.

Stripping the Neanderthal edge off the everyday guy

Gentlemen, my sweet, dear, sometimes clueless gentlemen,

Welcome to my personal space. Not many people are allowed in my personal space, but I've recently heard the call and am needing to overcome my personal limitations in an effort to help YOU overcome yours. I now KNOW that it is my civic duty to help the everyday guy become a more sensitive, aware and loveable guy. It doesn't take much. I'm not suggesting you change your personality, interests or hair gel. Through this blog I will suggest subtle changes that you can make in your everyday life; changes that will enlighten you, empower you and help grow you to become the beautiful, confident, respectful and sensitive man that your mother always intended.