Oh, now, Roger! I think it's really unfortunate when people conflate good manners with sexism. Personally, I hold doors open for anyone who is infirm, elderly, burdened with parcels, or just happens to be entering the door behind me. I also will give up my seat to anyone who looks like they need it more than I do (although the first time a young fella offered me his seat, I felt a little dismayed - so much for that anti-aging cream!).

And you finish off with an insult to all feminists, no doubt because you've heard media yelpings about some extreme feminists or some word botherers, whereas the vast majority of us old feminists just wanted things like equal pay, equal access to jobs, and equal access to the same services and opportunities our brothers already had.

Perhaps this one rather frivolous item will help you understand: until 1972, no matter how thirsty, hot and dusty I might be, I was not legally permitted to enter a tavern for a cold beer. In a city reknowned for its many taverns, only two establishments offered a 'Ladies Beverage Room', which could be entered by ladies only if they were escorted by a man.