Why do we say 'ladies first'?

To be polite, and also because the man in question wants to be perceived as being, and to feel like a gentleman.

by Justine Crowley

It is an outdated phrase from when women were considered the lesser sex, and needed to be treated 'delicately' because they are more fragile. For a man to give women right of way was considered a form of respect, and a gentlemanly thing to do. I don't think it has any place in today's society, and actually get annoyed when things like that are said, or when the chair is lifted out for me.

by Bryony Harrison

You may not like it for yourself, but the world would be a sad place without it.
Manners are part of society, once they go.......it will be a free-for--all.In other words grandmothers will be having doors slammed in their faces, left right and centre...pregnant women will struggle, and life will just become unpleasant.

Manners don't have to be sexist. It's just a matter of having consideration for others in general, not women in particular. Pregnant women sometimes do need more help, as do the elderly, but us able bodied women shouldn't be treated like invalids just because we have a vagina.

There is nothing wrong with manners, but why does it have to be ladies first? Why not men first? Being pregnant or elderly is an entirely different matter all together; it is not based on the fact that you are a woman, but on the fact that it is more difficult/uncomfortable for you to get around. Saying ladies first suggests that we need more help than men do.

LOL...it was just a matter of time I knew it, Jennifer would say 'vagina'! love it!

If you like I can mix it up and say "two x chromosomes" or something. ;)

It's a token way of honouring women without actually giving them any rights. You can go through doorways first but you can't vote. Don't worry your pretty little head about opening doors etc. I'll take care of you as long as you don't expect equal pay or to make decisions for yourself that matter. I'm glad those days are for the most part behind us.

by Jennifer Muirhead

That's one point....but could you imagine if we had to let men go first.Like some third world country, where women are not valued.

Why would either sex neex to go first?

Why would either sex neex to go first?

Why would either sex neex to go first?

Because it's polite! It may seem old fashioned in this modern age, but it is still nice to be treated with respect.

by Sarah Bell

Manners.

Otherwise we would have men slamming doors in the faces of women all over the place.

by jonaja

Do you slam doors in men's faces?

I think Jennifer and Bryony have hit the nail on the head. Ladies first comes from the idea that women are less than men, so they need to be treated like fragile creatures. Yes it's not generally said with this specific intention, but that's where it comes from.

by Natasha Stewart

Because it is polite, gentlemanly, and expected of the gentry towards the ladies, especially of the maturing age. It may not be politicly correct anymore, but who cares.

I am a gentleman, and there will always be a lady wanting to appreciate an offer, whether taken up or not. My mum loved it, my wife loves it, and my daughter expects it.

by Doctor Dave