It's approximately 7:30 a.m.
*In my head* Okay lets check: backpack.. coffee... phone... all good!
Noticing the transit is arriving in two minutes, I bolt out the door in a mad dash (probably running like a fool) and make it to the stop just on time.
As always, the bus is full so I prepare to stand and stretch my short arms to the handrail.
Then, the unthinkable happens....
"Excuse me, would you like to sit here?"
Did a college-aged guy just utter those words?!? Am I dreaming right now!? I know, I know.. I sound dramatic, but the lack of gentleman-like behavior on campus has almost left me numb. In shock, I replied, "Wait are you sure?" On other transit rides, I've seen numerous girls stand while guys keep their head low and eyes glued to their iPhones.
It's not that women are too helpless to stand up for 10 minutes; trust me, we could do it even 2x as long wearing our tallest stilettos *insert hair-flip* It's that a guy should have the chivalry and dignity to stand up for a woman.
It's not just giving seats, there are even easier ways to show your gentleman-ness. Hold a door, open a car door, allow a lady to pass by first, help them carry something when it is obviously heavy. All of the things moms tell their boys to do from an early age.
Theodore Roosevelt once said, "Courtesy is as much a mark of a gentleman as courage.” There doesn't have to be an alternative motive or anyone around to see, like Nike says Just Do It.