Is it dead?
chiv·al·ry (sh v l-r )
n. pl. chiv·al·ries
1. The medieval system, principles, and customs of knighthood.
2.
a. The qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women.
b. A manifestation of any of these qualities.
3. A group of knights or gallant gentlemen.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/chivalry
A few recent incidents have morphed into a monster sized question.
I’ve mentioned the whole cell phone in the public restroom thing before. Ewww.
Apparently, cell phone etiquette is not being taught. I suppose text-messaging “socially acceptable cell phone usage” tips is out of the question. Verizon, Qwest, Sprint – feel free to use my idea.
My co-worker shared her frustration over standing in line at a department store counter as a woman tried to return an item while multi-tasking by talking on her cell phone. The cashier had to interrupt her conversation four times before the woman exploded, hung-up, dealt with the transaction and stormed from the store.
Hmmm. The weighty word “hello” comes to mind.
I hate to judge, but I often overhear cell phone conversations. Generally they resemble something like this.
“Hey.”
“Yeah, I’m bored.”
“Did you see American Idol?”
“*#%*$! Me too. I can’t believe it.”
Now that we have the Bluetooth technology with ear pieces, communication has hit a new level.
Have you carried on a conversation with someone who is talking to the voice in his or her head yet? That’s fun. Something to look forward to.
This morning I practiced a bit of reverse chivalry – it was either that or becoming one with the carpet. Three healthy, seemingly in their right mind and moderately intelligent young men filled a hallway as they walked toward me. Kind of like a football offensive line. I ducked into a doorway. Maybe they were practicing for the annual running of the bulls’ festival. Or I might have donned my invisibility cloak instead of my jacket this morning. I was a little fuzzy when I left the house.
Sigh.
Okay, so which is a dying art? Chivalry, courtesy or common sense?
About Me
- Kelly Klepfer
- Change. I've learned to embrace it, ride it out til the end. Sometimes I'm kicking and screaming, other times weeping with my eyes clinched tight. Once in awhile I ride like a dog in a car, head out the window snorting what life has to offer. Mother to young adult children, a marriage of almost thirty years, and a desert to mountain to valley waltz with God have shaped me into someone I never imagined I'd be. Life is short and I want to live it. Tears, sighs, laughter and change. Every morsel granted to me. Scrambled, shaken or stirred.
