I recently read an article in a newspaper that stated between 80-90% of British women polled would feel offended if a man:
1) opened a door for her
2) offered her his seat on a bus
3) offered her his coat during a downpour
I certainly do not get offended if a man opens a door for me (I'm a 40-something man BTW).
I'm probably not of an age where another man offers me a seat on the bus, but when the time comes, I'd be very grateful.
The last question probably doesn't apply, but I'd hardly be offended by the offer.
Is this finding down to insecurity, a feeling that a man is exerting dominance, or what? Anybody got any views on this? Is common civility something to be shunned in order to avoid offence?