There are also men in need and men needing help but since women inspire me, I will go with the main topic.
Don't take me wrong about the stereotypes of damsels in distress (google images and you can see a lot of fantasy tinged in that description). A Gentleman will offer or volunteer for damsels in distress in an appropriate way. The less than gentlemanly person will try to take advantage of the situation. Rewards for an act of help is voluntary. Monetary rewards are often a requirement if the act of kindness is very involved and is a bit dangerous.
Monetary rewards
When people pay for acts that are beyond normal necessity, it is because social obligation in other ways is partially offset. Some men think that taking out a women for dinner requires the woman to put out. That is why it is essential for women who do go out to eat with men to offer to pay (in order not to be required to offer other services). It is also regular ettiquette if you suggest going out to eat to be the one that pays for the meal (or pay for your portion of the meal).
Women get a free pass when they ask for a small physical demanding job like moving a heavy object or doing a chore that requires more physical effort that they can't do. However full time jobs or jobs that require more than a simple five minutes do sort of demand monetary or other social obligations. For example I do help out voluntarily to move stuff. I pleasantly offer to help and make noises and actions to show that I do not require money. I am sort of twisted out of shape when some folks refuse my help ( and I get a sort of revenge by watching them struggle without my help) Still the vocal Thank Yous are often good enough reward for me, and the offers of money to go but a drink (a soda) is also quite nice.
Have I ever saved a life?
That is the fantasy/image that Damsels in Distress confers but sadly or thankfully that has not occurred in my life. However I do remember the time my brother saved my life when I was drowning.... I suppose we should be grateful of still being alive but for sure I will not owe my brother that much (like constantly doing favors) for his saving my life.
Comments (4)
I often require help in getting things done by a man if possible because of my back pain.
@Mal_P - Good luck with therapy for that back. I know that you probably sort of hate to impose but truly you are a damsel in distress and hopefully have a roundtable full of knights.
"put out" lol haven't heard that is a long time.
since i'm 60yrs old; men of my generation always paid for the meal.
my sons were different from each other -the older son would never let a gal pay and my younger son would go dutch
I prefer to stay away from damsels in distress type of person. Just looking at those helpless and clingy people makes me feel tired, very tired. Glad that I am not one of them.