What is the distance when you should hold the door for someone behind you?
When entering a building, what is the polite threshold in distance of when you should hold the door for the person behind you? Should this distance be any different if you or the person is a man or woman, young or old, or whether or not the person uses crutches/leg braces?
I wouldn't say it's about distance as much as it is about the circumstances. If someone is trailing behind you with their arms full of boxes you might hold the door open for them even if they're several feet away. The same could be true if they were running towards the door or elevator. As you noted it could make a difference if the person is elderly, in a wheel chair, or on crutches...etc
If someone is walking leisurely several feet behind, your holding a door open for them may cause them to feel (rushed) in order not to inconvenience you because of your "kind gesture". For me personally if it's a normal person walking further than 4 yards behind me I typically will not hold the door open.
I couldn't agree more with what you have answered. Peace. Kawi.
Okay, here’s how I do it: When I walk in or out of a place, before I let the door shut behind me, it is a natural reaction to make sure that I’m not shutting the door in anyone’s face and so I look. If I see anyone heading for the door… I will wait and hold it open. Generally people are extremely gracious. On another note, I am equally as grateful when someone holds the door open for me, however, I find myself anxious if I feel someone is holding the door for me and I am quite the distance away… that is when I break into a sprint and thank them twice when I reach them :-) Lastly, I have occasionally had a door shut right in my face and thought how rude it was for the person in front of me not to have held it, particularly when it is a man because I suppose there is still a subconscious part of me that feels a man should hold a door for a lady. Awesome question by the way!
Thanks for your answer - I've had the door shut in my face too (old lady - she even looked at me, snubbed, and walked off). Lol. Peace. Kawi.
1 meter and 55 centimeters. Just kidding!
Just be sensitive and you will know how to hold the door for someone.
Good luck!
by LaVieja 15 years ago
I like it when someone opens a door for me, or offers me their seat. Am I politically incorrect? I expect to give up my seat to an old age pensioner, pregnant lady, child, but don't often see it happen. Why doesn't it? Isn't it just polite?
by grumpiornot 12 years ago
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by rutley 12 years ago
Do you open a door for others or just yourself? Be honest!Some folks let it slam right in your face!
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