Ladies First!

First, you need to understand that every Chinese I have met all believe the Chinese invented everything. If you have it; they invented it. Gunpowder, Fireworks, Paper, Ink, Coins, Kites … Everything. No matter the discussion, if it’s a useful invention, inevitably someone will say “Well, Chinese invent that.” I don’t know if that’s true, it may be an exaggeration, but it’s important to understand this mind set to appreciate the following story.


We went to dinner last night with the Quality Team here in Chengdu. Three American men and four Chinese women. We arrived, sat down at our table, ordered our dinner and were enjoying some lively discussion while waiting for the food to arrive.
As the food was served, the Americans waited patiently until our hostess said “Please, begin.”

Our immediate answer was “Ladies, first.”

She laughed and said “OK, but you know the Chinese invented the ‘Lady First’ idea.”

Internally, my eyes roll as I have heard this so often, but she continued “Do you know why? Because the man waited for the lady to eat first, if she didn’t die, then the food wasn’t poisoned and it was OK for the man to eat!”

I had no comeback for that, other than laughter. It does make sense from a medieval feudal standpoint.

So now I am all conflicted. If I allow the lady to go first, am I being chivalrous or putting her in jeopardy?

AAARGH!   What to do, what to do?

Nah, it’s an easy answer. MaMa was always right … Ladies Do Go First (but just be careful)!