You are so right, good manners and courtesy seem to be the exception these days. Nowadays we cannot feel that we are the good old fashioned, courteous nation that we used to be. You should feel proud of yourself, like Scott and Vicky, that you do still hold these values in high regard. It’s a pity a few more people don’t think in the same way. And as such a high proportion of young people seem to exhibit this cold, selfish attitude you just know that they will pass these attitudes down to their children, and the whole downward spiral will continue. So sad, but I know you will always be kind and considerate, and as long as there are a few like you and Scott and Vicky, all is not totally lost yet.

But although society has changed, our genes have not. Whether people realise it or not, the polite and thoughtful – the respectful – are the powerful. Humans are hard-wired to trust those that are respectful of them. People may feel they are moving with the times when they elect to ignore grace and manners, but in the greater scheme of things, chivalry wins.

We live in a society where mediocrity and stupidity are rewarded. Reality TV shows are full of mediocrity, and people vote for it because they think it’s cool. More fool them. Respect will always trounce rudeness. Always has done, always will.

As for the middle aged woman that scorned you for your letting her go before you in the queue, that may be her feminist social conditioning that says: “Any man that is chivalrous toward you sees you as a weaker, incompetent being”. This is one of the many negative consequences of feminism. As usual, if I am met with such unfortunate stupidity, I simply ignore it and move on. Women like this will get no love from me. There are still plenty of women out there who see chivalry toward women as it should be seen. As ever, respect and manners always win.

Good article!