Latoya Campbell, Outlook Youth Writer

Remind us. Who's supposed to open the door for whom again? - Contributed

'Chivalry', What's that? Are you talking about men being knights in shining armour?" Chivalry goes back as far as medieval times when it was viewed as the foundation of male's code of ethics. It introduced the concept of males displaying qualities such as bravery and courtesy, and being helpmates to women.

These days, it seems as if the few men who know what chivalry entails have abandoned these somewhat unwritten rules. It is almost non-existent. Outlook Youth decided to find out what teens thought of acts of chivalry.

A man should always open the door for a woman

"Don't let the door hit you on the way in!" That was the message sent as I barely made it through the door that was violently swung out for me by a man who thought that he was being a 'lady's gentleman'. While I admired the gesture and expressed my gratitude, it was obvious that his method was all wrong. The correct way to open the door for a woman is to hold the door and step to the side until she passes.

Orlando: They said it for themselves, 'a woman time now'. I don't think it matters whether we open doors for women. If I get there first, then so be it. Otherwise, I think it's a double standard, seeing that women now want to be more independent, but still expect to be 'spoilt', as I call it.

'That dinner date sure was fantastic until the bill came'

I was definitely enjoying the lovely four-course meal that we had at a local restaurant. When the bill came, however, my date forgot that he was the one treating me. Luckily, my 'get vex money' was enough to pay for half of it and to call a taxi to take me home.

Gizelle: In theory, it makes sense for the man to take charge and foot the bill on dates, but when you look at it practically, that's really asking for far too much. Men, if you ask a woman to go out with you, the debt incurred is your responsibility. The same goes for you women! Fair deal!

The seating dilemma

I held on for dear life to the handlebars on a JUTC bus one day, and I stood and patiently waited for one of the many men who were comfortably seated to trade places with me. Let's just say I waited in vain. It's quite gentleman-like to give up your seat for a woman on buses or in situations when all the seats are taken. Unfortunately, many are not willing to suffer such discomfort. Apart from that, it's not very nice to pull a chair out for a woman if your real intention is to watch her lose her balance and fall. Enough said.

Theo: I'll definitely give up my chair for the elderly but otherwise, the woman has to look really good for me to be so generous. As for pulling out chairs, I personally get so nervous that I could miscalculate when her body touches the seat, hence causing that embarrassing plunge to the ground. It is a nice gesture though, but not on an everyday basis.

Restoring chivalry begins by remembering why it is important. I'm sure our society will be a better place if we bring back those values of the past. Women, never forget to welcome such gestures with a thank you. Chivalry may be dying, but with a little effort it doesn't have to become another memory.

For the most interesting teen issues and styles, get your copy of Youthlink magazine on news-stands on Tuesday.