A little off topic, but has it ever occurred to you why women usually (in a group at a table) go to the restroom together? I always thought it was for social interaction away from the men's ears, but I have been told that it started as a courtesy to their male companions. Back when women were honored, men were expected to rise from their seats every time a woman entered or left their presence. Apparently at a table of six, for example (three couples), each woman leaving by herself to go to the toilet meant their male companions had to rise and sit six times, but if all the women went together, they were only troubled twice. What do you think? Is it a remnant of a more "civilized" time?
So you are saying that when women all rise to leave, they, without knowing, are also honoring the men?
@Joe Riley to @DonAlaska ...You may be splitting hairs. honor - high respect. great esteem. They're being considerate; using good manners. Rules of behavior at the time. Nothing to do with respect and esteem.
Escort service. Seriously, there were days when a lady wished to “powder her nose” the gentleman would not only stand, but escort his lady to her destination, wait, and then escort her back to the table and help her to her seat. At some better establishments, there were people on hand who “showed” the lady to the powder room instead of her suitor or husband having to make the trip. When more than one couple are at the table, the ladies escorted each other. We wouldn’t wish for some vagabond to make his approach and attempt to woo our lady now would we?