Opinion: When was chivalry alive?

Courtney Kerrigan

There are these predetermined expectations placed on men at a young age, and we, as women, build on that.

That’s why we think men should be able to read our minds. Being the sensitive people we all want them to be, we expect men to know that we’re on our periods and don’t want to be bothered. So when you ask us a question, we snap at you.

Or that the silent treatment means you should notice we’re pissed, and subsequently ask us what’s wrong in a soothing and understanding way.

If you have an issue with your man, just tell him … in a calm tone rather than a judgmental and angry one. Chances are, there was just a miscommunication in the relationship.

And, as I always try to mention, not every woman has those expectations, and some guys are sensitive creatures that try to uphold some sense of chivalry. But women need to stop expecting that. This is the 21st century — and as a close friend of mine pointed out, chivalry is kind of an added perk these days.

Men and women, in context, are now looked at as equals and are open to the same opportunities. And that balloons outside of the workplace into our private lives.

If a guy doesn’t open every door for you, it shouldn’t be a big deal, but if he does, that’s an added perk.

I’d like to think that most every guy is a gentleman, but if he isn’t, it shouldn’t be a deal breaker.

Love isn’t a science, and relationships don’t have formulas to them. There isn’t a consistent result when you plug in the same numbers.