Chivalry. What a funny old word. You hardly ever see it anymore, except in books written by people who are now dead.

First off, what is chivalry? As you may have hoped, I am not recommending the reinstatement of medieval customs, knightly orders or the rescuing of damsels in distress from fire-breathing dragons. Chivalry is, in essence, a man’s habit of expressing deference for women. It’s gentlemanly behavior, not out of weakness, but out of strength. Personally I haven’t been seeing enough of it on campus lately.

As I was riding the shuttle bus to school last week, there weren’t quite enough seats, and about eight of us had to stand in the middle of the aisle (including five females). Now, do you think that even one guy offered his seat to any of us? Of course not!

A guy giving up his seat to a girl whom he knows is equally capable of standing on her own is all too uncommon. It’s a gesture that doesn’t imply women are weak. It’s a simple show of respect. Respect not just for the girl, but also for himself. It shows that this guy believes himself to be a gentleman and holds himself to high standards. Those standards are more important than enjoying the comfort of a seat on his morning commute to campus.

Even something as simple as opening and holding a door has become complicated. I am met daily by a door swinging shut in my face as I’m walking out of class because a guy didn’t hold it open, which is an act of common courtesy. Although I don’t expect guys to go overboard, some basic courtesy would be nice.

Now ladies, the decline of chivalry can be blamed partly on us. So many guys have been met with rude responses from us when they are just trying to be polite by offering us that seat on the bus or opening a door.

“I was raised to hold open the door for a girl and offer her my seat on the bus, and I think that’s the way it should be. My only worry is that other people are ignorant of certain social etiquette and will be offended by my gesture,” said junior Jake Robinson.

One thing that really disappoints me is how feminism and women’s liberation has turned into a war within many women. Now that women can get a college education and have fairly paying jobs, many of us feel that we cannot allow anyone to think of us as women. We have to insist on equal treatment all the time.

Admit it. You would look at a guy funnily if he leaned over and whispered to you “Can you possibly walk back with me to Bragaw? I’m not comfortable walking back to my dorm all by myself from the library.” Really, really funnily. That example alone just shows that there is a difference between girls and guys.

Resurrecting chivalry begins by remembering why it’s important. Chivalry is part of a civil world. Women should welcome gentlemanly gestures and graciously accept them with thank yous.

So guys, step it up – offer to walk us home; give us your coats in the cold; open doors for us.

If you get a hard time, I’m sorry, but you can handle it. And there are plenty of us girls who would really appreciate it. And ladies, a little royal treatment never hurt anybody.

E-mail Amy at viewpoint@technicianonline.com