I was driving home from work one Monday when I was poised to make a right turn onto the highway, bound for home. But, it was rush hour. Several scattered lanes were coming together into one, as we drivers attempted to make some sense and get our cars in line. As I inched forward, I looked at a man to my right, smiled and gave a little motion with my hand, as if to say, "May I go ahead?"
He looked back and subsequently moved like lightning, gunning his SUV and boxing me out.
And that wasn't all.
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He turned around and smiled at me. Grinned. Leered. Took great joy in this really rude move.
Where have all the gentlemen gone?
Honest to goodness, maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I felt like getting out of the car, knocking on his window and asking where he learned his manners.
I was still seething when I arrived home to greet my two boys...who I am trying to teach to be kind, considerate and, yes, gentlemanly.
I shared my highway saga with my family and the phrase "Where Have All The Gentlemen Gone?" has become our summer mantra.
Whenever someone streaks to the bathtub in all his nudey glory, we sing out: "Where Have All The Gentlemen Gone?"
Or, when some stray gas erupts at the dinner table, there is a chorus of: "Where have all the gentlemen gone?"
Seriously, I know the notion is somewhat outdated...and just to be clear, I'm all for gentle-women, too...but, shouldn't we still be teaching our boys something about chivalry and honor?
I googled around and found this article which actually has some great tips about giving our young guys some good, traditional manners.
Where have all the gentlemen gone? I've got two future contenders right here, I hope.
I know...I've become my Grandma Hazel.
And, frankly, I'm OK with that.
See you on the highway. You're welcome to take the lead.
