[MR] courtesy to ladies

[Oxford, David]

>> Courtesy is not only offering help, but having the grace to politely
>> accept/refuse an offer to be helped.

An excellent point!  Our modern society is full of expected little social graces
of "politely offering" something we don't really want to give, and the
accompanying "polite refusal" knowing that it was only "politely offered" not
"truly offered".

I would assert that if you offer to help, mean it (be truly willing to stop what
you're doing and help out ... don't just say "can I help" to "satisfy" the
demands of courtesy).  And if help is offered, assume the offerer means it and
take it if you want it.  And remember, there are an awful lot of folks in this
Society of ours that just really love to help people out, so don't deprive them.
:)

Basically, mean what you say and say what you mean.  What a pleasant world that
would be. :)

Bryan