Is Ladies First the Traditional Etiquette Culture in China?

The principle of "ladies first" originated from the knight system in medieval Europe, which was the basis of traditional etiquette in Europe and America, and later became an important etiquette principle recognized by the international community. Mainly suitable for adult heterosexual social activities.

"Ladies first" means that in all social occasions, every adult male has the obligation to respect, care, understand, love and protect women with his own practical actions, and also has the obligation to try his best to solve problems for women.

The principle of "ladies first" is embodied in all aspects of daily life, such as actively pushing open the door when entering the door to let the ladies go first and ordering food first.

In French society, which is famous for its romance and gentleness, there is another more interesting embodiment of "ladies first": when dining, the seating position is determined according to the age and social status of the male guests, not according to the age of the female guests. This is because in France, "all women are young except for special exceptions".

Similar social principles do not exist in traditional eastern society. Confucian ethics advocates respecting the old and loving the young, while eastern society tends to respect the old rather than value women.

As Lin Yutang said in My Country and My People, "A well-educated China person will not offend an elderly person for no reason, just as a western gentleman will not intentionally offend a woman." Respect for the elderly is the upbringing of an oriental gentleman, and respect for women is the courtesy of a western gentleman.