Sex and the UniverCity: Chivalry isn't dead

Escaping from the Birkenstock-wearing, leg-hair donning, flannel-clad stereotype, today's feminists fight for equality with lipsticked mouths and pushed-up chests. Empowered both sexually and socially, these modern girls face a new struggle - changing the nature of chivalry.

Taking stiletto'd steps toward higher incomes and expanded rights, the classic gentlemen's model of chivalry is under attack. Most women no longer expect a jacket placed over a puddle or require a chaperone on nights alone. Now viewed as equals, should gentleman abandon their gallant nature and have women opening their own doors, pulling out their own chairs and splitting the bill?

While bursting from the seams of their skinny jeans with the desire for equality, women, like men, still enjoy being treated like cherished objects of romantic desire and enjoy courteous acts that make them feel special. So how can a gentleman prove himself without slighting to female empowerment?

Though females are more equal than ever before, males can still politely show their good intentions by offering to pay for a meal or lending a jacket to a cold date. They can open doors and pickle jars, and lend a hand in manual labor when a female is obviously struggling.

Though simple acts, these motions showcase a chivalrous nature and show signs of class, respect and romantic interest. Feeling taken care of by another person enhances feelings of trust and intimacy in a relationship, and even the most independent woman can appreciate this.

Adversely, women can show both their independence and gratitude toward these polite gestures by offering to pay another time, offering to split the bill or buying the dessert.

Playing a sexual role as well, chivalry can be appreciated as more and more women are discovering sexual independence and increasing birth control use; free to explore one-night stands, hook-ups and booty calls.

A simpler process for animals who display colorful feathers or a deep-bellied squawk to attract potential mates, human males must show prospective females their worthiness in more attentive ways.

A gentleman should show appreciation for a female's sexual independence and expensive commitment to birth control by buying his own condoms and offering a ride or walk home after the fun is over.

Even if lust were more involved than love, having a lady do a solitary walk-of-shame home will make her less likely to desire a repeat performance, and this kind of security measure takes little effort.

Though women continue to break down barriers with manicured hands, the need for chivalry continues. With modern princesses and queens capable of slaying their own dragons, both genders must find a balance of chivalry and independence to find happy endings.