As a young boy, my mother taught me
That a man should always walk between a woman and the cars
That a man should always open doors for women
That a man should walk women home at night
She wanted her young boy to become a gentleman
When I got to Norway, women told me
They could open doors themselves
That I should not change side of the sidewalk
And thought I was trying to get in bed with them when walking them home at night!
Genders relate differently in Norway
Gender-based politeness gestures common in so many countries
May be interpreted differently by Norwegian women
Genders are equal and independent in Norway
It makes gender interactions simpler
Norwegian men learnt to behave in ways that prevent conflict with Norwegian women
Norwegian women are happy when things are equal and when they feel independent
That may explain why gallantry has mostly disappeared in Norway
Foreign women may be surprised when they first interact with Norwegian men
They may not appreciate Norwegian equality the same way as Norwegian women do
While it may be safer for a man in Norway
Not to open doors
Not to carry bags
and not to drive a Norwegian woman home
These behaviors may be expected of you by women of other cultures
It is important to have this in mind when interacting within different cultural settings
I make a conscious effort to adapt my behaviors so that the person I interact with feel most comfortable
Off course the way Norwegian women react to foreign gallantry varies
Especially with age
I learnt to appreciate Norwegian women
Off all ages
And adapt my behaviors accordingly
--
