HOFJ, Your right no boy talks like in our time and age but haven't we just spent several pages discussing the reason why Edward talks the way he does. Have you forgotten that he was born in 1901 and a lot of his mannerism are from that time period. Does Edward not say through out Twilight that boys' behavior (thoughts) around Bella are subpar. I'm really paraphasing here because I don't have my book with me.holdingoutforjacob wrote: Again, this is what is offending me. You seem to think that because I don't think Edward is the manliest man ever, or I don't find him to be very masculine, I don't understand what it is to be a gentleman, or that I think it's a bad thing. And to make it an issue of where I come from seems silly.
If a boy opens a door for me I think it is very nice and sweet. But if I have to open a door every now and again, fine. I'll take it over someone dismantling my truck when they've decided I'm not within their limits for me. I think it is more important that a boy be kind and treat me as an equal in our relationship than be a "gentleman" as you call it. I think it is more important to be kind and to have fun than to make sure someone pulls my chair out for me. I define being a man as being honorable, kind, confident, and imperfect.
If you all must know why I find Edward to be rather feminine at times, it's not his actions, it's his speech. No actual boy talks like that, nor would I want them to. I would rather have a simple "I love you" that was really heartfelt than the entire page it takes Edward to say essentially the same thing.
What makes someone a man or manly or masculine is different for anyone and NO ONE'S decision of that is wrong - understood AnnetteandEdward and Jazz Girl???
And for crying out loud, the truck thing again. Most of us agree that Edward messed up but he learned from his mistake when it came to the best way to protect Bella. He learns, he apologizes and makes better the best he know how. That in my book is good example how a gentleman should act.