Quote Originally Posted by rtaylor61
I was raised in Texas, and I was raised to be a Gentleman. I hold doors without expecting a "thank you", but appreciating it when it happens. I allow cars to change lanes in front of me, and hope when necessary, someone will do the same for me. I open car doors for ladies. I give up my seat to ladies and my elders. I treat others with respect, regardless of how they treat me. It's not bragging, it's how I was raised. As far as I am concerned, a "thank you" is nice, but in my opinion, it's more important for me to to what I was taught is "the right thing". I believe that all of the books by John Bridges should be required reading. I don't believe that a gentleman needs a gun to settle an argument. I don't get involved in arguments. But pull a gun on me...well, I've got a surprise for you. And I promise, you will NOT like it.



Being a gentleman and practicing chivalry are not macho things. They are a way of life that involves respect. And if someone chooses to disrespect me, it's their loss. I have nothing to prove to anyone, except to me. And that is the fact that I am in control of myself, my feelings and how I react. Want to piss me off? Give it a shot. You'll just frustrate yourself. I think my signature says it all.

RT
Amen. Expecting a pat on the back when you do what you're supposed to do anyway is like expecting a raise for doing the bare minimum at work. It's nice when people are considerate enough to notice your efforts, and return them with kindness, but if they don't...well, that just lets you know those aren't people who are worth the effort of worrying over. Demanding that someone notice how "great" you are only demeans you and cheapens your effort to be a decent human being. It also drives you crazy, because no matter how well-known, famous, skilled, or "cool" you are, there are always going to be people who, for whatever reason, don't like you. If you know you did the right thing, and treated the other person with respect, how they respond is immaterial and irrelevant (outside physical confrontation). It's their problem, and as long as they don't threaten or assault me, it will remain their problem. Demanding someone notice your efforts at common courtesy is just as bad as them not noticing it in the first place, if not worse, because they might've been distracted or worrying over something else when they failed to notice your courtesy, but your demanding recognition indicates you worry about it far too much, and that you need external reinforcement to do what is right and proper. It's aggravating at times, but if say, a woman doesn't say "thank you" when I open the door for her, I don't really take offense...I take comfort in the fact she probably has a much harder time sleeping at night than I do.