8 Chivalrous Gestures That Do Not Come Across as Desperate

By Corey Boutwell

Chivalry works when you do it without expectation

I used to do nice things for women and then get quietly upset when they did not react the way I imagined. Chivalry without expectation is powerful. Expectation turns it transactional. Here are 8.

1. Open the door and do not look for a reaction.
2. Walk on the street side of the footpath.
3. Put your hand on the small of her back for one second as you walk through a door, if you are both comfortable.
4. Text ‘get home safe’ after a date and leave it at that.
5. Handle the bill without commentary.
6. Remember something small she mentioned two weeks ago and bring it up.
7. If she is cold, offer your jacket. If she says she is fine, ‘I know, take it anyway.’
8. Plan the date fully: ‘Be ready at 7, wear something you feel good in.’

The test

Chivalry is not desperate when it comes from who you are. It becomes desperate when you do it to earn something.

Want to practice this live? See Corey Boutwell’s masterclass.