Ladies First

Ladies first. This is one of many phrases both men and ladies use on daily basis. The ladies long for it while the men supply and chant it like a rule. According to UrbanDictionary.com, Ladies first has been described as gentlemen’s favourite sentence. Arguably, this is the most commonly heard phrase after “I love you”, “you look good” and “you are beautiful”. On daily basis, ladies are showered with compliments from mostly men. By now, compliments like these are what every lady must have gotten used to. In the home, at offices and places of work, on the streets, even in open-air markets and shopping malls. These days, the internet have become a fertile ground where ladies get honest and dishonest compliments from friends and strangers alike.

The origin of this word is very disputable and can be argued from many fronts. Many stories have it that it originated from Europe where Knights were expected to respect the honour of ladies. Again, during moments of disaster and emergency, women and children are always rescued first. In numerous situations, the idea of ladies first was seen as a well-groomed behavior from men. It started as a sign of respect for women. A man would hold a door open for a lady. If a line were forming, a gentleman would allow ladies to go first.

This phrase is usually used to mean after you. This does not however mean that ladies should always pass first through a door or other narrow passage. The idea is that the gentleman who accompanies the lady will only let her pass first when entering a trusted environment.

On the other hand, when entering an unknown place, or when exiting a building, the gentleman is to go first. The reason for this is that in case of any danger on the other side of the door, the strong man can protect the lady.

Women, in particular, repeat this everyday as if it is a rule. They actually feel proud of it. They think it is a praise to them. From the perspective of many ladies, a well behaved gentleman will always let a lady pass through before him or open the door for her. Ladies see this as a show of politeness, courtesy, respect, groomed mannerism etc. many ladies see it as a basic behavior expected of a gentleman

Although many ladies still appreciate a seat on a crowded bus or a man holding a door, however, some have dissented to the idea of Ladies first. Some see it as unnecessary courtesy while some say it irritates them and describes it as a busybody pretense by men. Some even see it as a tactic by the men to stare at them from behind. Hahahahahahaha!!! Imagine the scenario.

Men, in their own vast world see it as basic behavior required of them whenever they are in the company of a lady or ladies. For men, it is an evidence of refinement, care, and kindness. To some, it is a naturally and socially required etiquette. A gentleman will always open the door for a lady, follow a lady when going up stairs, in case she should fall over, and always walk before a lady when going down the stairs for the same reason. In both cases a gentleman would never stare, indecently or otherwise, at any parts of a ladies anatomy. However, to some, it is a waste of time and they care less about it.  

These days however, this very sweet idea is used in ignorance of its meaning. Many men say ladies first without knowing what it really is.  To you out there, what do you think about this? Do you see it as a norm or a waste of time? Why don’t you drop a few comment.