Chivalry is dead. I never fully grasped the weight of the word until recently, when it struck me like a bolt of lightning, illuminating everything. Sometimes, humanity can feel consumed by a dark fog of selfishness. We get wrapped up in our own worlds, forgetting the symphony of lives playing around us. It can be a struggle to push through the fog and extend a helping hand, especially when that hand reaches out to a woman in need. Acts of kindness seem to be fading like forgotten melodies, particularly amongst our generation, the so-called "Gen Z." We've become accustomed to cynicism, often mistaking genuine kindness for the beginnings of a twisted fairytale.
But for men, chivalry shouldn't be a relic of the past; it should be a compass guiding our actions. It's a duty, not an obligation, to treat all women with respect, kindness, and selflessness. This isn't about expecting something in return, but about weaving a tapestry of compassion – for mothers, sisters, friends, girlfriends, wives, or any woman who crosses our path.
Last night, a personal experience, one I won't share for now, served as a harsh teacher. It left me drowning in a sea of sadness, anger, and confusion. But as dawn painted the sky with streaks of hope, a wave of philosophy washed over me. Here are the lessons I clung to like driftwood:
Don't make permanent decisions in the throes of anger. It's a recipe for disaster. Let the flames of rage subside before taking action. Feel the heat, but don't navigate by it.
Help freely, expecting nothing in return. Do your good deed, plant your seed of kindness, and trust that the universe will reward you in its own time.
Be a lighthouse, a beacon of safety and comfort for those around you. Raise the bar for friendship, and inspire others to do the same.
Promises are sacred. They're not casual whispers; they're pacts signed with both yourself and the other person. Keep your word, no matter the cost. After all, "रघुकुल रीत सदा चली आई, प्राण जाए पर वचन न जाई" Words hold weight, and broken promises can shatter the delicate trust we build with others.
Communication is the bridge across troubled waters. Open and honest dialogue can solve most problems before they erupt into storms. Remember, many conflicts ignite because of misunderstandings, not malice.
Love yourself first. Before you can cherish another's heart, you must learn to cherish your own. How can someone else love you if you can't find joy in your own company? Don't give your love away like a cheap trinket. Be patient, and when you least expect it, the most incredible connections will blossom around you, as magical as a dream come true. In fact, I've already met someone like that, someone I never want to lose. Losing someone you love is a piercing pain, but within that pain lies a strange beauty. If your love is pure, their happiness becomes your happiness, even if it means letting them go. You can't force love, but you can cherish the time you have.
P.S.
This one's for you, Mini Vanilla and Cappucino!
Love to Moonpie!
If you know, you know. ;)
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