Chivalry is dead. It passed from our minds like a flash of lightning in a storm. All we have is an impression of something awe-inspiring yet we are unable to grasp its true meaning. Our modern code of chivalry is at the same time convoluted and antiquated.

The original definition of chivalry is “the combination of qualities expected of an ideal knight, especially courage, honor, courtesy, justice, and a readiness to help the weak.” We still stick to this very same definition, only trading out the word “knight” for “gentleman”. This is a great definition, and the world could certainly use more courage, honor, courtesy and justice, however it implies that those we try to help are somehow weak. This is alarming when you realize that the term chivalry is almost exclusively used nowadays to describe the way a man acts towards a woman. This is why many women don’t want a man to hold open a door, make her breakfast, fix a leaky faucet or jump their car.

The nicest thing you can do for a lady (or anyone) is to stop using the word chivalry IMMEDIATELY. This word doesn’t reflect the views of our modern society. We don’t help others because they are “weak”, we help them because we care and know how much a little kindness can mean. Chivalry is dead, but in its place is the concept of contemporary courtesy. Go forth and help others (man or woman), not because they are weak but because you care.