I don't know. I didn't want to offend anyone, so I won't speculate further. Personally, I think its in poor taste--but that is only an opinion and not an indictment of character. I am kind of old fashioned though, and this computer and my participation in this forum is as high tech as I get. I stood up for a woman from New York last month as she entered the room, and she looked like she was tearing up, so I gave her my handkerchief and then she started balling. I asked her what was wrong and she said I reminded her of her grandfather (from VA). I have opened the door for women who have in return have been insulted by the gesture. Whaddya gonna do?

If you are sorry you don't see those values, then practice them yourself to bring them back!! People will copy you. I used to do pretty well with the ladies as a bachelor, and you would be suprised how many people will try to emulate you when they first laugh at gestures they at first deem archaic.....

Amy Vanderbilt is on my daughters' required reading list too....