Tradition has it that this basic rule of civility was established by George Washington in the days when carriages rumbled by, indeed splashing mud and water. Also, garbage used to be thrown out of windows on to the street, so it was considered chivalrous for the man to be in the path of the discarded food. Although these conventions are out of date, along with a man placing his coat on a puddle for a woman to class, it is a very nice gesture for a man to walk on the street side. In an urban environment, he may choose to walk on the inside to protect her against possible crime. My suggestion is to communicate when in doubt and ask the woman what she would prefer. From the same school of thought, another rule remains in style. Who goes up/down the stairs first? The man is always on the downside in case the woman trips or falls. It is modern-day chivalry to assist anyone who falls, male/female or stranger/friend.
Blog
16Nov
I have had numerous debates over an obscure issue. My mother says that my brother and I should walk on the street side when walking with a lady. The custom originated, she says, so that if a car drives through a puddle of water and splashes the man is there to shield the woman. Is this still appropriate in social as well as business settings?
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