[TrevorW]

These archaic mannerisms are instilled in the 40-60 age group at a young age by an earlier generation who where raised with Victorian morals.

They are intended as a sign of respect for the role women and the aged play in society and how we are treated and treat others in our day to day lives.

One of my biggest bug bears is the way the younger generation especially in retail in this country are not taught general manners and address their customers as "mate".

I know it's an Ockerism however to me it is not appropriate to address a customer as such.

Likewise no animosity, sexual overtones or otherwise enters my mind when allowing a woman or anyone else to enter or exit first, it 's instilled in me as the respect due to that person and IMO if intimidation is felt it's often due to ones own inability to deal with the situation.

The moral fabric of society breaks down if respect for others is not instilled in us by our parents from a young age which is fundamentally taught by introducing manners and discipline.

The art of please, thank you, can I help you Sir, Madame, excuse me, beg your pardon, sorry, after you, good morning, please take this seat, will live on if we educate our children both at home and in school that if you want respect from others you have to earn it through how you treat others as you walk along the road of life.

Kind regards