All over social media, articles and tweets are being shared with the idea that chivalry is dead. Meaning, men are no longer giving women the attention and respect that they deserve in ways of opening doors, paying for dinner, or leaving little romantic gestures to find. Social media also tells us chivalry is dead and women killed it, all because we wanted equal rights. Well I am here to say that chivalry is not dead; it is just different.
For millennials, young men have a different way of performing chivalrous acts than what has thought to be correct. For our generation, social media and the Internet has shaped our entire lives and we like it that way sometimes. Older generations are quick to judge how us millennials have ruined old fashioned ideas and values, but for us, we like it this way. Chivalry is no different. For first dates, instead spending a ridiculous amount of money on dinner and a movie, we will order a large pizza and watch Netflix. For our generation, that is the norm. I honestly like the idea of testing out a relationship with a relaxing, comfortable night instead of all the pressure of being your best self over a fancy dinner. We are a generation of young adults looking for stress free nights and why not share that with someone? When my current boyfriend of two years asked my to come over and watch movies for the first time, I was thrilled. Asking a girl over to watch "Making A Murderer" is now the new, "Can I take you to a movie?"
Chivalry to our generation is not dead; we just act on it differently. High school guys will go above and beyond to ask a girl to Prom; posters, cupcakes, balloons, and all. Sending a "Good Morning" text is the new "I'll call you." Flowers are usually given for very special occasions and when you least expect it. Posting an Instagram picture of the two of you is the greatest compliment because he is showing off his girl. The list goes on and goes. Us girls still like being taking out for cute, romantic dates (don't get me wrong). It's just more special when it is once in a while.
Chivalry is not dead; it is only different. We also like it this way. It is how we grew up. This is the only way we know how to date. Older generations can keep their traditions, but us millennials like to change things up. Judge us if you want, but we love "Netflix and Chill" and ordering an extra large pizza for the night. What is better than that?