Have you ever wondered why we pull out a lady’s chair as she is being seated at the dinner table?
This act of social etiquette stemmed from the days when the attire of high society women was so elaborate and restrictive, they needed assistance being seated at the table.
I think of comedic scene in the musical, “My Fair Lady”, when Eliza arrives at the Ascot Gavotte in a very form fitting gown and has to slide into her chair sideways because her gown did not allow her to sit down in a manner she was familiar with.
Most social attire worn today is not as restrictive as it was in days past unless it is a costume, but we still continue with the tradition of helping a lady with her chair as a demonstration of respect.
Eliza at the Ascot