DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend, "Connor," is very gallant. However, I believe he is carrying it too far.
Connor helps other women before he extends those courtesies to me. For instance, if we're out with other couples, he will open the door for the other women before me. Sometimes he forgets me entirely. Also, when we're in a restaurant, he will rush to hold their chairs for them while I just stand there.
At the end of the evening, he thinks nothing of leaving me to escort them to their cars. I have suggested that we do this together and that he offer me this treatment first, but he insists that it is proper protocol to extend this treatment to others first. Is this true? -- BEVERLY IN SEATTLE
DEAR BEVERLY: It certainly is not. What you're describing is not gallantry -- it's lack of consideration for your feelings.
A gentleman's first priority should be the lady he's escorting. When he rushes to assist other women before you, it means he's thinking of them first. Their escorts -- not yours -- should be seeing to their comfort and safety. I'd say your boyfriend needs to brush up on his manners.