A new take on the code of chivalry

By Katie Powers

Ah, to be chivalrous.

There was a time in which I would have gagged at the thought of a knight on horseback galloping to rescue his enchanted lady. In fact, that time is still now, but upon further investigation of the institution of courtly love, I have come to understand that all of us could use a dose of a modernized code of chivalry in our interactions with suitors.

As always, in accordance with the itch of springtime, many of the young people on campus find their former love waning in exchange for robust calling to freedom of lust. But indeed, the time has come to set out some standards if you want to engage in these fickle, happenstance affairs which leave you in the bed of an unknown other.

One of the most important basics of courtly love is to embrace a few guidelines so that you do not second guess how to act around our beloved (or not so) once you have left the site of passion and ventured into the battlefield of campus.

Ah, but a true knight or lady would never betray his or his sense of chivalry toward this paramour. On the other hand, we find ourselves in a state of troubled anxiety when we come face-to-face with thy who we have not spoken to since the night passions were exchanged.

Chivalrous code rule number 1: Act polite around suitors of passion.

Why is it such a problem to be friendly to those who you had exchanged romances with? Granted, to some, the decisions made on a night of celebration are questioned at a later date, but regardless. To thy who you had once engaged in such courtly love with, it is only duteous to stop, smile and greet. If you feel so struck or unsure at the sight of the former paramour to do that which I find most dehumanizing -- glance the other way -- than you should not be allowed to partake in such engagements.

Now comes the thing we should all take note of when it comes to understanding courtly love. Chivalrous code rule number 2: Basic chivalry should not be contorted into some mad love affair.

To those in the court, a friendly correspondence, a hello, a phone call or a message, does not equate with a serious devotion of love. Rather, it is a chivalrous act, one that is called for in the line of duty. Those who extend their hearts to the questionable paramour are not plotting an engagement, but rather, acting within the standards of a courted relationship.

And, if these duties lead to consistent engagements, let the consensual love begin. Douse the other in a fit of romance: poetry, candlelight, roses and beautiful exchanges!

Or not. I mean, please.

But just remember, once the passion subsides, abide by the code of chivalry so it can continue again.