I don't know why people say chivalry is dead. I see it all the time.
In fact, I take it for granted so much that I still chuckle over an experience I had a month ago when it didn't happen.
I was struggling with a large pile of library books (a full book bag, plus a stack in my arms), planning how I was going to use my back to shove the door open and then make a quick spin to get out before the door shut on me or my books. However, as I walked toward the glass library doors, I saw a twelve-year-old boy approaching from outside, and thought with relief that he could save me the trouble. Instead, the boy visibly slowed down his steps enough to ensure that I, the "lady," arms full of books, would open the door for him! I was stunned. And yes, I opened one of two doors for him, balancing books in my arm, and using my foot and back, while the boy stood there, empty-handed, and waited.
Now, to be fair, the boy was only 12 but I know a lot of boys that have been taught to be courteous. I only bring this story up to emphasize the contrast too - that the people around me are so considerate about opening doors for each other that I'm shocked when it doesn't happen. A couple days ago, a girl who looked to about 11, waited an extra 20 seconds for me to catch up to her, while she held the door open. I actually had to go up a flight of stairs while she waited for me at the top. Wow - maybe a little too considerate?
My favorite one - a couple of months ago, a guy I didn't know walked out of my office building, saw me coming with my pile (my purse, a laptop bag, and a tray full of food) and actually ran back 15 steps to hold the door open for me.
I sometimes feel like someone is so far behind me that it is pointless to wait for them to open the door but then I remember how often someone does it for me, and I wait those extra seconds. It only take a few seconds out of your life to do something that is really quite nice and can add an extra smile to someone's day. I can't tell you how many grateful mothers with unwieldy strollers have smiled gratefully at me for a favor that cost me very little to provide - and all because I too, have been the recipient of the small and simple good deed.
In fact, I take it for granted so much that I still chuckle over an experience I had a month ago when it didn't happen.
I was struggling with a large pile of library books (a full book bag, plus a stack in my arms), planning how I was going to use my back to shove the door open and then make a quick spin to get out before the door shut on me or my books. However, as I walked toward the glass library doors, I saw a twelve-year-old boy approaching from outside, and thought with relief that he could save me the trouble. Instead, the boy visibly slowed down his steps enough to ensure that I, the "lady," arms full of books, would open the door for him! I was stunned. And yes, I opened one of two doors for him, balancing books in my arm, and using my foot and back, while the boy stood there, empty-handed, and waited.
Now, to be fair, the boy was only 12 but I know a lot of boys that have been taught to be courteous. I only bring this story up to emphasize the contrast too - that the people around me are so considerate about opening doors for each other that I'm shocked when it doesn't happen. A couple days ago, a girl who looked to about 11, waited an extra 20 seconds for me to catch up to her, while she held the door open. I actually had to go up a flight of stairs while she waited for me at the top. Wow - maybe a little too considerate?
My favorite one - a couple of months ago, a guy I didn't know walked out of my office building, saw me coming with my pile (my purse, a laptop bag, and a tray full of food) and actually ran back 15 steps to hold the door open for me.
I sometimes feel like someone is so far behind me that it is pointless to wait for them to open the door but then I remember how often someone does it for me, and I wait those extra seconds. It only take a few seconds out of your life to do something that is really quite nice and can add an extra smile to someone's day. I can't tell you how many grateful mothers with unwieldy strollers have smiled gratefully at me for a favor that cost me very little to provide - and all because I too, have been the recipient of the small and simple good deed.
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