Somebody told me once that chivalry is dying.
It made me sad.
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So sad, in fact, that every year as a 5th grade teacher, I would introduce this word to my class and encourage it in the boys. Maybe that’s not kosher, seeing as I taught in a public school. Maybe some people think it isn’t any of my business to teach this concept to my students. But I couldn’t help myself. I want young boys to know this word. I want young girls to know this word.
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I want my son to know this word.
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I want him to grow into a young man who opens doors for women. Who carries their bags, and pulls out their chairs, and gives up his seat, and offers his arm when the sidewalk gets slippery. I want him to grow into a young man who respects and protects his female counterparts.
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Every Wednesday night, I get to hang out with junior high kids at my church. A few months ago, we went through a whole series on dating, and one of the messages went like this:
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Girls, you are a princess of the King. Guard your purity.
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Boys, you are a prince of the King. Protect the princesses.
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I loved that message. I wanted to record it and save it for my son.
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Protect the princesses.
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Maybe that’s not a popular message these days. But it sure is a beautiful one.
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In real life and in fiction.
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Let’s Talk: Do you think chivalry is dying? Why? Do you find chivalry to be an attractive, admirable trait in men? If you have a son, do you try to teach him to be chivalrous? If so, how do you do it?