I will miss: Polite and chivalrous behavior

When I first moved here, I absolutely hated the expression, "Yes, ma'am." I cringed every time a waitress or store clerk or phone operator said it. In fact, I scolded my students whenever they said it to me. "Do I look like a ma'am to you?!" I just thought it sounded old and formal. My students were so cute about it. They always apologized and told me, "I'm sorry, it's just a habit." Back then I didn't understand the truth of those words. Now here I am, two years later, and I've been converted to the Ma'am/Sir club. I say them without even thinking. I say them to people who are younger, older, same age, it doesn't matter. The terms are just respectful additions. They come out without thinking, but for me, they are very appreciated.

This is just a simple example of the polite behavior that I have come to love in Lubbock. I was definitely raised to be polite and respectful, but southern hospitality is a step above. This kindness is present in grocery stores (I love Market Street!), restaurants, gas stations, and just every possible establishment. And most importantly, my students are so incredibly polite. I cannot even imagine the majority of my students back-talking me or questioning my rules. My students are refreshingly respectful. I just love the courtesy of west Texas.

The other interconnected thing is chivalrous behavior. I hesitated to use that word, because it sounds antiquated, but it is really the only term that I have for it. I am consistently impressed by the
gentlemanly actions of males in Texas. I cannot even count the times that a man has literally rushed to open and/or hold the door for me. It happens almost daily when I'm on campus. This is a small gesture, again, but it is very appreciated. The feminist in me doesn't want to like it, but I do. Obviously I can open and hold my own door, but there is something so sweet about an 18-year-old student doing this kind action. It extends beyond doors, of course. I always know that I can step on/off the bus first, I can cross the street with a kind wave, I get help carrying boxes and other items. In fact, my colleagues know that I had a small lectern that I trucked to all my lectures in the GPS classrooms in Holden Hall. One of my students noticed that I carried it every day, so he started making a point of stopping by my office and offering to bring it to class for me. What a sweet gesture!

Now don't get me wrong, there are still plenty of rude asshats. I have encountered jerks here, too. Honestly, I think people that are raised well will be polite and courteous, no matter where they live. And sometimes I don't think the politeness here is completely sincere, but you would never know. It seems like Texans will fake a smile and kind word, rather than be cross to your face.

Regardless, I will thoroughly miss the polite and chivalrous behavior in Lubbock.