You always read in books about these wild romantic gestures that seemingly perfect guys display in order to win the girl. I will forever be a fan and firm believer in them, but it seems like real life guys aren't up to snuff. I suppose that's because I have never been in love, or I have never really attracted a boy at all, but hey- I don't think I am the only lovesick girl/woman who feels like chivalry is dead. I used to strongly believe that while there were still (probably) gentlemen out there, that there were no boys that still clung to these "old world" traditions known as opening a door for a lady or helping her over/around a puddle. While it may not seem like much, it is affectionate. This isn't to say that guys don't do plenty of things that are kind and considerate, but many of the older values are gone. Another thing that comes to mind when I think of the many men of novels, I think of them carrying the girl. Boys lifting up girls in order to move them when they are sick or hurt, in order to protect them, in order to hold them close. I never really realized just how wonderfully adorable that was until I was picked up by a guy and carted around like I weighed nothing. It wasn't a romantic gesture by any means, at least I don't think so, but I realized the thrill of it for the first time. It is feeling petite and weightless, feeling protected and loved, and even feeling exhilarated. It may not have been romantic (although that would have been nice too), but it was beyond thrilling to be in the arms of a muscular, extremely attractive, sensitive, gentlemanly, smart, guy. And no, I am not exaggerating, he is very near to perfection- he is skimming it with his very fingertips. I now understand all of the hype, and I just want to say to any guy readers- just try opening doors for ladies, be polite and say kind things, treat her like a woman, not a possession or a toy or just "another one of the guys."