Five Top Chivalry Tips for Valentine's Day

On my first date with my now husband, a chivalrous gentleman who makes King Arthur look like George on Seinfeld, it took me a moment before I realized that ours was the only table in the restaurant with a bouquet of fresh flowers. The romantic and chivalrous guy that he was, Drew had gotten to the restaurant ahead of time, chosen the best table, and made sure a bouquet of fresh flowers was atop it.

Being a woman of the 70's, who like my demographic sisters was socialized to believe that men and women should treat each other equally, I was far from offended. I was charmed. Chivalry, it turned out, was not dead, just in a coma.

If you're a man of the 21^st Century, chances are your date (yes, even if she's your wife) will be charmed, too. This Valentine's Day, why not don some shining armor for her and follow the code of chivalry?

Here are my top five tips on chivalry to impress your lady this Valentine's Day:

Valentine's Day Chivalry Tip #1: Stand up when she leaves the table

At first I didn't get why Drew stood up every time I had to go to the powder room at a restaurant, but after he explained that gentleman were supposed to do this I understood (kind of). It wasn't his standing up that mattered, it was the effort it took. Some men won't even bend down to pick up their own socks.

Valentine's Day Chivalry Tip #2: Light her cigarettes

Of course, she shouldn't smoke; it's bad for her health. But if she does, do light her cigarette. Do you think Humphrey Bogart made out with the ladies based on his looks?

Valentine's Day Chivalry Tip #3: Open her car door

There is something very pampering for a woman about having her car door opened for her. Maybe it's because it's the closest we'll ever come to having a chauffer drive us around like Miss Daisy.

Valentine's Day Chivalry Tip #4: Carry her bags

Whether it's the take-home box from the restaurant or her bouquet of flowers, offer to carry them for her. Even if she turns you down, she'll be pleased that you wanted to lighten her load.

Valentine's Day Chivalry Tip #5: Walk closest to the cars

Perhaps nothing charmed me more than my husband's insistence that he always walk on the part of the sidewalk closest to the cars. He explained to me that a gentleman does this so that if a car splashes through a puddle the man would be the one to get wet. Hey, what's not to like about that?

So there you have it, gentlemen--five great tips for being a chivalrous gentleman on Valentine's Day. Long after her bouquet of flowers have wilted, your sweetheart will remember your charming chivalrous manners, even if you were only King Arthur for a day.