D is for Divorce

Who would have thought we would cause such heated discussion over a little topic like Chivalry vs Chauvinism?  We were surprised by how many comments we received and how passionate some of the comments were.  Interestingly enough, most of these comments came from men.  We may have touched a nerve here!  It isn't so surprising considering the rocky waters men have to wade through these days.  Women have forged paths and have come such a long way in recent years.  Women are emerging more or less as equals, holding high powered jobs, competing in sports and are generally considered to be strong and independent.  In our journey to get here, however, our male counterparts have been left standing confused as to how to deal with us.  Do they still play the gentleman and open a door (even if we are clearly able and willing to do this ourselves)?  Or do they defer to us and "check" their chivalrous nature?  It can be a sticky situation for a guy who is looking to impress a woman or is simply just trying to be chivalrous.  This is really a double standard because while women do want to be seen as strong, competent and independent we still really appreciate when we are treated like ladies.  Old habits and traditions are hard to break.  There is no shortage of opinion on this one but I think we can all agree that manners never are out of style and are too seldom used these days.  The general consensus is that men can respect women and recognize them for their strengths and values, while at the the same time not be afraid to hold open a door or offer to pay the cheque.  Just don't be surprised or offended if we reach for the door or cheque first!

D is for Divorce
How many of have ever woken up in the morning and wondered how did you ever end up with that person sleeping beside you?  Hmmmm...is that all? Ok let's all be honest here...how many of you?  Now that's more like it!
Divorce, there is no easy introduction to this topic.  We are all watching our friends and colleagues drop like flies.  Why do they do it?  Why don't we do it?  What drives some to the divorce courts while others battle their inner demons and stay in a relationship?  Is it for the kids?  Is it to keep their dream home?  Is it to stay afloat financially?  Or is it because of the slightest chance that we may fall back in love with our significant other?

Here is a question for you.  Do you think it is better to stay in a love-less marriage to keep the family unit intact, for the benefit of the kids?  We want your answer, your honest answer, and as always your comments.   Scroll down to leave a comment and take our poll.

C is for Chivalry (or is it Chauvinism?)

Well there is talk that chivalry is dead but does it have to go so far the other way?


I was appalled, no stunned, by what happened to me on the boardwalk the other day. I was chatting with two female friends at the very edge of where the boardwalk meets the sand. From behind I was literally body-checked! I was body-checked with enough force that it caused me to stumble. At first I thought it was one of my bratty male friends. It took several minutes for it to register that it was a man and his wife who had apparently taken offence that I was “in their way” on the boardwalk. Now, that is ludicrous since I was on the very edge of the boardwalk, the smallest of the 3 women standing there and with my back to him. A very cowardly move I would say. What is almost more shocking is that this behaviour was condoned by his wife.

Our friend decided to confront him as she came upon him sitting on a bench with his wife further down the boardwalk. She asked“Why did you push my friend? Did you see the size of her” His response was “Well, she was in my way!” What would cause a man to behave this way? Are social graces so lax these days because the lines are so blurred? Chivarly, which was such a noble trait, has now been misconstrued as chauvinism. A man must be so confused as to how to act. Does he open the door for a woman? Does he offer her a seat on the bus? Is he to pay the cheque on a dinner date?

I know women are now much more empowered both in the workforce and at home but does that mean a man can’t show any sense of chivalry? With the feminist movement is the act of a man opening the door chauvinistic or is it just plain chivalrous? Where do we draw the line? How is a man supposed to know how to act and what women want?

As always weigh in on our poll below and leave us a comment with your thoughts.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/valentines-day/dont-sweat-it-guys-chivalry-aint-chauvinism/article1456865/