Carolyn Hax is away. The following first appeared Feb. 3, 2010.
Hi, Carolyn: I am 29 and single. I have a very strong mother, who raised me to treat women with respect. I was taught women are strong, intelligent and independent. And that women don’t need any special treatment.
When I go on dates, I treat them that way. I respect them, but I don’t offer to hold their door open or always take my car. I ask if they want to drive. And I always split the check rather than pay for them. I think it’s insulting to think women are fragile and we need to treat them as if they are.
