Chivalry vs Efficiency

Is chivalry dead? And should it be?

I’m all for chivalry… or at least, basic common courtesy, which, like common sense, is none too common. However, there’s one place where it drives me absolutely nuts. Nuts, I tell you! There are six floors in my building at work. Yes, I’m lazy enough to take the elevator. I get out at the 3rd floor. There’s a bunch of guys who, even if they’re at the elevator first, will stand aside and let us females on the elevator. Now, I guess it is certainly courteous, but pointless. Not like holding the door open for someone. As long as you’re not muscling your way to the front, we women are perfectly capable of waiting our turn.

So, these guys -- I think we need to call them nice but dumb. Why do they let women on first? And these guys will often let EVERYONE on first, not just women. Honestly, it’s so not necessary -- especially when they’re going to the top floor! The problem is when you let everyone get on first, you get on last and you’re IN THE WAY when I want to get out. Seriously. These guys are first in line for the elevator, and know they’re going to the top floor. Just get in the f**king elevator. I’d be a lot more appreciative of the efficiency than you letting me get on first, because IT MAKES NO SENSE!

I guess if my boat was sinking, I might be more than happy to get first dibs on the life raft, and perhaps the whole elevator thing is merely training for a tragedy that may never happen, but I ride that elevator every day, and bite back sarcastic comments every day. I may never have to worry about that sinking ship.

Then again, courtesy is so rare these days, I suppose I should give them a sticker for passing Chivalry 101. The world would likely be a poorer place if efficiency completely took the place of chivalry, so I shall continue to bite my tongue.

KC Burn