Re: Rather Polite of Him, Wouldn't You Say?

LX-i wrote:
> docdwarf@panix.com wrote: 
>
> This is a very good insight.  Of course, we have this even in our own
> society between men and women.  A man opens the door for a woman - she's
> either a) grateful for the show of respect, b) spoiled to the point
> where she doesn't even recognize the gesture, or c) offended because she
> was treated differently.  Same problems if you let them get their own
> door, but in reverse.
>
> (Of course, my answer to those who respond with "c" is usually something
> like "I'm not treating you differently; I'm respectful to men and women
> both!")
>

Just think how much more offended she would be if she discovered the
origins of the gesture: Renaissance Italy, let the women through first
so that if there is an assassin behind the door then the important male
doesn't get killed. BTW, shaking hands was a gesture to show that your
sword hand was empty (don't know how they catered for people who were
left handed or carried daggers as well as swords).