***I’m just a woman wanting to learn what a healthy, godly relationship looks like…I’m no expert.  So feel free to leave your input on this <3 Journey.

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I can’t shake this sweet feeling.

Last night, in Manila, I went out with a friend of a friend and his girlfriend.

First thing, walking to the car he opened the door for me to get in the car. I was awkwardly surprised by this gesture. I’m definitely not used to that, and it felt as weird as putting pants on with my left leg first, than my usual right leg. (try it.. try putting your pants on with the different leg first…weird).

It started raining, but that was not a problem, because the driver had an umbrella ready for me, and he had an umbrella for his girlfriend, to walk from the car to the restaurant. Again, being awkwardly surprised, I didn’t know how to lead the way with the umbrella over me. Should I go to the right or left of the car, the driver kindly instructed me with the point of his hand.

What brings about this feeling of protection? What is that thing called again? Chiv? Chives? Oh.. that’s right Chivalry!

I mean, I’ve heard about that before. I’ve seen lil glimpses of it at times, but it’s been a while since I’ve literally seen such care taken by a man for his lady… Especially since I work in the field that I do, where women are disrespected, and mistreated all the time.

I thank God for that reminder, because it gives a glimpse of hope.

Since I like to ask a lot of questions, all the time (was always that kid in class that had the questions when it was close to the class ending, and that everyone probably hated at that moment), I asked him what was different about his girlfriend that made him want to commit, after a decade of singleness. (his girlfriend wasn’t there at the time)

He said ” How kind she is to other people. She doesn’t see economic differences as a right to treat someone unfairly, or unkindly.”

Plus she’s gorgeous…which he was VERY happy about =)

But the very first thing that he said was her heart… her character.

It was such a blessing to go out with them last night, and see such a sweet example of respect, security, and love.

I believe, unfortunately, that as women we sometimes hide behind “being strong”, and not needing men to do things for us. But I have come to find out that, humbly, we do need men to do things for us, like give us their jacket, or walk us from one place to the next with an umbrella over our head, or carry our bags, or walk us to our car,  or open the car door for us (and not just on the first date), and be enamored by our character, and not only by our outward appearance.

It doesn’t make us any less of a “strong woman”. It just makes us a woman.

I once knew what being treated with chivalry was, many moons ago, but more recently, the closest I’ve come to chivalry is going to Medieval Times, where the nights kept on calling the ladies “mi lady” (which I secretly though that was so precious).

Men:

1. Us ladies want to be treated like the princesses God made us to be. Sorry for any misconception, or rejection.

2. Thank you to all those men who have not lost the art of chivalry.

Ladies:

1. Don’t settle for a guy that doesn’t respect you, and make you feel like you’re worth more than rubies, through the little things that he does for you. (just a thought, forget your umbrella on a rainy day, and see how he handles that situation =)

2. And to those who “don’t need it”.. be open to it. You just might find that putting your pants on with the opposite leg first, just might be better =)

Ladies, do you have stories of chivalrous men? Would you mind sharing them? 

Men, do you have tips? Ideas? Comments on this? Would you mind sharing them?