Tommy Beer, aged 10, of Flatwoods, W.‑Va;

 How come it is always ladies first?

Almost every young fellow wonders why this is so, It may seem annoying and sometimes unfair to him, It is part of the manners he has to learn as he grows to be a man. It is a custom, Men let ladies go through a door first, they let then get‑on buses and sit down first. This custom goes beck a long way into human history.

Certainly a girl could get through a door by herself, Chances are she can manage most things for herself very well. But there was a time when men had to protect their women from attacks from wild animals, Then it was necessary for the women to be put in a place of safety first, Then the tough men could tend to things and rout the wild animals.

Come to think of it, that must have made the men feel very strong and manly. The women must have liked it too. It made them feel safe and gave them a chance to give their time to the children. So the custom went on long after we needed it, Men still enjoy the little games that remind them that they look after things. And women enjoy the little games that remind them men can take care of things.