It was meant to get a laugh, and it did. But after the laughter faded, I found myself thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not about the joke<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
About the kind of man I’ve always tried to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a brief moment, my mind drifted back to someone from my past. Not out of bitterness or regret. Those chapters have already been written. It simply reminded me that while circumstances change, values don’t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What it reminded me of was something much simpler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The past three years may have changed many things about me, but they haven’t changed my values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being a part of Maya’s life now, I still believe respect begins with the little things. Saying “please” and “thank you.” Holding a door. Listening more than talking. Using someone’s name because I want them to know they’re seen. Those aren’t habits I turn on for a first impression. They’re part of who I am.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maybe that’s because I was raised by an elderly couple and the lessons they taught me weren’t complicated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They taught me to say “please” and “thank you.” To hold the door open for someone walking behind me and arrive on time. Along with the importance of keeping my word and to treat people the way I’d want to be treated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to dating, those lessons didn’t suddenly disappear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Offering to pay for dinner isn’t about money. No more than walking a date to her car and opening her door isn’t about believing a woman can’t open it herself. It’s simply how I was taught to show respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If she wants to split the bill, I’d gladly do that because relationships are partnerships, and there’s nothing wrong with sharing responsibilities. The point in never about who reaches for the check, it’s making the other person feel valued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Somewhere along the way, I think we’ve started confusing courtesy with obligation. They’re not the same thing. Courtesy isn’t about keeping score. It’s about making another person’s day just a little better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A few years ago, my therapist noticed something about me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whenever I spoke to someone\u2014even a friend\u2014I almost always address them by their first name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Rick](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rickollie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/rick-ollie-maya-park-bench-detroit-summer.png?ssl=1\")
<\/a>Upbringing <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Dating My Way<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Courtesy vs Obligation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Name Game<\/h2>\n\n\n\n