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Chivalry isn't dead, it just lives in Iowa. Chuck answers his own question and provides a link to a 19th century resource, which gives a bit of context for this (and other arcane) pieces of etiquette. Q: Gentlemen, Great website and service. I for years (really forever) have always walked on the outside of a sidewalk, meaning on the street side of any lady I'm accompanying. It is now impossible for me not to provide the inner path for my wife, mother or any other women of any age. What is your take? Chuck
"Gentlemen walking with a lady, or with a gentleman venerable for years, attainments, or office, will give the inner path to the person escorted, unless the outer portion of the walk is [safer]. The concession will be made without remark, and the lady will assume whenever the gentleman changes his position that there is a sufficient reason for moving from one side to the other." (http://www.barkerville.com/vol1/etiquette.htm) A: Chuck, The reasons are old (waste being poured from windows, stagecoaches splashing mud from dirt roads, cabbies accosting you for a ride) but the etiquette remains the same. You should walk on the curb side, when practical, giving a woman the inner path. My wife has given up walking near the curb, although she'll sometimes sprint there just to get my goat. Thanks for maintaining the practice. Chivalry lives, even if it is a bit of an outdated practice, and we'll bet your wife appreciates you for it. |
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