A Tip of the Hat...

I’d finished signing my novels at the Watkinsville Arts Festival and was packing up to go home, when a man walked up and extended his hand. I grasped it and he said, grinning, “You are a true gentleman. Whenever a lady approached your table, you took off your hat.” He shook my hand and strolled away.

I guess he was right; I was taking off my hat. I never thought about it. Was I wrong to do that? Tip my hat to the ladies? 

It’s the way we were trained, most of my generation. Dad lectured me severely about doffing your hat to a lady, and I followed his example. He told me of his grandfather, strolling through Alamo Plaza, tipping his hat to everyone he met. I take my hat off indoors (well, usually), when the flag passes by, and whenever I talk with a lady. I open the door and step back, too. 

Is this politically incorrect these days? Am I insulting women, demeaning them, suggesting some kind of inferiority? 

I’ve had no complaints. 

But I wonder? My grandmothers wouldn’t go anywhere near town without hats and white gloves. My mother’s generation pretty much restricted the hats and white gloves to church. 

Ladies today? It’s been a long, long time since I’ve seen a pair of white lace gloves. 

Maybe I should look for them in church? 

Dac 

6/9/2009

Father’s Day is June 21^st. How bout a copy of Guns Across the Rio or the sequel, Return of the Texas Ranger, signed personally to your Dad? Send me an e-mail by June 14^th and I’ll snail-mail them to you. Fourteen dollars each, or the pair for Twenty-Five.

dac

 

 

Comments

[Genie Smith Bernstein]

Good manners are never out of place. My family recently gave thumbs-down to a sister's new boyfriend because he wore a ball cap at the dinner table.

[carole hayden]

Dac, I don't mind a gentleman removing his hat but please do not call me 'young lady'. I am no longer young and find that really patronizing. Carole H.

[Elizabeth Chilson]

I agree with Glenda York: A lady appreciates a gentleman, even in these politically incorrect times. Keep it up!

Liz

[Marj]

Collin doesn't wear a hat, in spite of his mother reminding him all of his childhood and his dermotologist reminding him now; hence, his twice-yearly inspection for returning melanoma. However, all of our kids and grandkids know that grandma expects them to take off their hats or caps in my house. They rarely forget anymore and a brief stare at it is usually enough of a reminder. My step-son-in-law never takes his off for any reason -- East Texas redneck.

[Scott Sand]

Dac, When I grow up, I want to be just like you! A true gentleman and a scholar. Well, At least, maybe I can live up to the gentleman part.

[Irene]

My husband was reared in the north and forgets the hat until I remind him, but he does open a door for me or others. Yes, those little gestures are noticed and appreciated. I makes a woman feel special.
Good luck in OK, your fan base is growing.

[Lauro F. Cavazos]

Dac, I agree with you on tipping your hat to ladies. I still do. When Peggy and I walk in Concord, I tip my hat. None of them have fussed at me for it. They may be pleased at my quaint ways. Larry

[Glenda York]

A lady appreciates a gentleman, even in these politically incorrect times. Keep it up!

[mike long]

I'm still lucky enough to have wife, mother, two daughters, and two granddaughters. They still enjoy politeness and are offended by a lack of it. Let's keep it up.

[Eric]

I don’t want to speak for woman, but my guess is that most like a little chivalry. In today’s politically correct world I think too many worry about offending others. I tip my hat to you Dac for keeping up an old tradition.