Is it just in the South or is this real life? (Asian, men)

[GravityMan]

- Men walking in front of the woman is strange...in fact walking in front of ANYONE he's with (friends, etc.) is a bit odd. He is part of the group, so walk side-by-side with him/her/them. To not do that is a bit rude and a-hole-ish in my opinion. The only exceptions is if there's a lack of room (narrow corridor, crowded venue, etc.)

- I don't think I've been explicitly taught to walk closer to the street to protect the woman from splashes from cars, but I'm pretty sure I do it anyway as my parents did focus on teaching me gentlemanly things in general. (Hold doors, lend your jacket if she's cold, hold the umbrella over her while it's raining, leave her standing under the covered porch (or inside) while you bring the car around, etc.) The thing is, once a guy really "gets it" as far as being a gentleman is concerned, it becomes second nature to him. He will do gentlemanly things for a woman without even thinking about it...it comes natural to him. Even things that he may not have been taught.

And no it's not just a south thing. I'm pretty sure it's also common in the North, in places like SF, LA, NYC, Seattle, etc...and in many other areas around the world.

[bellakin123]

There are ethnicities where it is customary for the woman to walk behind the man.

I live in NYC. My parents are from Europe. My father always did the gentlemanly things, as well as my brother.

My husband holds the door open, has me walk in front of him, has given me his jacket, will stand and makes sure I have a seat, will get the car while I wait inside, etc. That's how he was raised. I don't think it matters where you're from.

[RedZin]

Originally Posted by angrymillionaire

So I have a relative who grew up in the South & they pay attention to the most trivolous stuff between men & women IMO . He was talking about a man who walks in front of his wife is not worth his salt or if a man walks with his wife he should walk closer to the cars and her more to the curb. I apply the same rules to my stepson but it never occured to me that thats how grown couples walk as well.

I think they're just being polite.

[tarzan_taborda]

I don't know if it's a southern thing, maybe it's an american thing? I never heard of/saw it here.

[intelfan11315]

Originally Posted by Enil

Its an American thing. In Europe, men are aware of the fact that women are equal to men. Which means that men don't treat women like children, which is what's taking place when the man puts his body between her and the road.

Which is why it's so easy for American guys to pick up women in other countries.

[Lilac110]

Originally Posted by Magnatomicflux

You keep doing that. Maybe the words will come out.

And if not, try fiber.

[angrymillionaire]

Originally Posted by tarzan_taborda

I don't know if it's a southern thing, maybe it's an american thing? I never heard of/saw it here.

I never saw this in the States in real life or maybe I never paid attention. but it seems to be that on the internet, I keep hearing phrases like a man must be a jerk if he lets his wife on the side of traffic while he is nearer to the buildings.

This thread makes me want to lure my man for a walk & see where he walks as I never really paid attention.

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by angrymillionaire

I never saw this in the States in real life or maybe I never paid attention. but it seems to be that on the internet, I keep hearing phrases like a man must be a jerk if he lets his wife on the side of traffic while he is nearer to the buildings.

This thread makes me want to lure my man for a walk & see where he walks as I never really paid attention.

I'm thinking you've never paid attention.

You sure devote a lot of mental energy to things that don't really matter.

[Stagemomma]

My exhusband always walked in front of me. He has long legs. But no amount of speed on my part, or requesting that he walk with me, or "Honey could you please carry the baby for a while" would ever enable me to catch up. He would never acknowledge that it might not be appropriate to leave me trailing in his dust like a Chinese wife. I sure as shooting don't miss that about him and would never again be with a man who did it.

I don't care much about the sidewalk thing. I suspect that is more for city folk and I'm a suburban gal to the core.

[elnina]

Originally Posted by lovesMountains

This is not a "southern" thing - it's just a gentleman thing.

Somewhere along the way you were just never taught it, or never learned it

^^^ This!