It seems that the older style of treating a lady is becoming necessary. Linda finds it difficult to open the car door and engage the seat belt. Several times in the past few weeks, while holding the car door open for her, I’ve noticed a lady watching us with a smile. I even overheard one saying to her husband; “You never open the car door for me anymore!”
On the other hand, holding open the door into a store or letting Linda exit the elevator first doesn’t work. She doesn’t remember where we are going in the store so allowing her to lead is fruitless. I learned to re-define old fashioned good manners and not let the lady go through the door first. It has proven much better to lead and let her follow.
These little procedures, although apparently contradictory, help us to manage life much better.