Good manners - or patronising?

[naomi24]

Ruby's question about a matriarchal society got me thinking about the changes in manners in today's society. It seems that some men feel they can no longer treat women as 'ladies' - offering a seat, or opening doors for them, etc, since women view actions once considered to be good breeding and good manners, as patronising. So men - do you still behave in a gentlemanly way, or have you given up? And women, do you prefer men to treat you as a 'lady', or would you rather be treated as 'one of the boys'?

[cheries]

I think Reverand Funk was being ironic when he called girls "birds" littleoldme.
Don't worry. He's not D.I. Hunt from Life on Mars....

[littleoldme]

Heh heh. I just assumed he'd been watching too many UK Gold re-runs of The Sweeney. ;-)

[Quizmonster]

I liked the story of an elderly man who offered his seat to a feminist on a bus. She went into a loud diatribe about why he should not be so patronising. He replied, "Madam, I offered you my seat not because you are a lady but because I am a gentleman!"
I'm am oldster, too, but I invariably show women the same courtesies as I did fifty years ago. So should all men.

[naomi24]

Quizmonster, oh that's brilliant.

[bensmum]

It's not just the men/women thing is it? I always hold doors open for people regardless of age or sex and I would give up my seat to anyone who looked as though they needed it more than me. I always thank someone if they hold a door for me - yes I am old-school but I have brought up my children to do the same.

[Theland]

I'd like to hear ruby27's view on this.

[ruby27]

Theland

So my opinions can be held up for ridicule, or because I will be so predictable in my viewpoint?

ruby27

[brionon]

I think I'm falling in love with Ben's mum ! Don't tell me wife !

[Sweep2k]

Cheries, it's DCI Hunt.

Where are your manners? ;-)