Meet Destyne and Gabriel

While out running around, lunch had slipped by, and Dairy Queen was excellent the other day. My diet can take the day off. Pulling into the first slot put me next to a couple sitting in their car. My phone was non-stop, and this call would be a minute. While working that long call, a young man unexpectedly appeared beside my door. Glancing at him, he smiled and turned, opening the passenger door of his car. A young lady, who seemed accustomed to this, got out, and they started into Dairy Queen.

It’s cold out there today, and halfway to the front door of Dairy Queen, the young man took off his jacket and placed it on her shoulders. He then held the door for her. How refreshing to see.

My burger, fries, and Blizzard could not have been better. As it turns out, the young couple were just a couple of seats away, and occasionally, they’d laugh. A wholesome laugh not unlike the kind you’d hear in a romantic movie.

Introducing myself included a firm handshake and strong eye contact from him. He is Gabriel Hodge, and she is Destyne Carson. She attends Hinds, where she studies stenography, and he attends Mississippi College, where he studies Public Health. They’ve been talking and dating for about two years.

When I told him how nice it was to see his gentlemanly behavior, he explained that his father taught him how to treat a lady. Destyne presented and carried herself like a lady.

Destyne and Gabriel, thank you for being you. You’ve reminded this old reporter that chivalrous and gracious youth still exist and thrive.