[Elfsea] Chivalry

[Karie Mitchell]

>I too am interested in seeing answers to this post.This brings to mind the
>first SCA event I attended.  Several gentlemen offered >assistance to me
>when I was trying to carry things to the list field, >when we were putting
>up our tent and breaking it down.  Lately, these >courteous acts have been
>lacking, in my opinion.  And this saddens me, >since that is one of the
>attributes of the SCA that attracted me.

I would like to say something to this "lack".  In a way the Society works
like other groups.  New people are treated with special courtesy and
kindness because we know that our group (no matter which one) thrives only
when new members arrive.

As one gets "older" in the Society, people form "habits" which can lead away
from this gentle courtesy.  How do we get it back?  By forming new habits:
one of which is by asking.  There is no wrong to a lady requesting
assistance from a gentleman, indeed she should request in such a way so that
the gentleman doesn't lose face, because he was so remiss in his actions as
to not see her.  The next time he might be quicker to see you and help you.
:)

Also, don't forget that sometimes we ladies must do things to reward our
gentlemen for their attendance.  How many of us still sit beside the list
field and attend our champions the way we used to? [Alright Ceinwen we know
that you still do! :)]

Sincerely,
Alessandra Desiderio
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