Why don't people hold doors for each other anymore?

Question

So many people just let doors slam in each other's faces as they walk through them. Do you think American society is steadily getting less polite or were we always this way? Although "politeness" is relative, aren't there common courtesies that span most regions and cultures?

I'd like to note that I specifically stated that PEOPLE don't hold doors for each other. I did not say that MEN don't hold doors for WOMEN, because I think PEOPLE should be courteous enough to hold the door for anyone, man OR woman. Read carefully please.

I agree with the comments regarding those who don't thank others for holding a door. That's equally rude if not ruder than letting a door slam in someone's face.

Answer 1

I have traveled all over the US and I have to tell you that a lot of people still do it. I do it for anyone and everyone and make sure to profusely thank anyone who does it for me.

I have to say I don't believe it was feminism or any other such movement that caused a decline in courtesy. I believe that we are all taught by example and not enough parents take time with their kids to teach them basic respect and courtesy for others. (regardless of sex, age, physical problems, etc...)
Kids are very, very self centered these days and parents, teachers and even other kids need to battle the media and poor ideals being absorbed by our young.

Everyone go out of your way to open doors for people. Look them in the eye and smile ... it's contagious and might just help improve our world.

Answer 2

Many people just let doors slam in each other's faces as they walk through them. American society is steadily getting less polite. We were always this way. There are common courtesies that span most regions and cultures.

Answer 3

1st I try holding the door for Folks but then if your in a hurry it doesn't always work. In some ways society is and has changed. Depends on the area one lives. If you live in the big city could be no one wants to be Polite or nice courtesies. Its like in a small town everyone smiles and waves in the big cities you better not look the person next to you in the eye....

Just remember the golden rule and be nice open a door for someone and then at some time someone with return the favor...

Answer 4

I wonder about this sometimes. I was walking into a hotel (it did not have automatic doors) with my arms full. There was a group of ppl standing outside. One person had their hand on the door handle holding it partly open. When I approached the door, he shut it and stepped away. No one else offered to hold the door for me. I just wonder where common courtesy has gone.

Answer 5

Well there are many reasons that one could reply on this issue but in my opinion it is due to the fast paced environment that society is living in where people rushed off on their own unending errands and not caring abt the world that passed by them. Once I was opening a glass door with huge metal bars as handles for an old lady when the guy on the left door open the glass door and left it to swing closs itself which hit me right at my shoulder and arms hard!!!
Of course there were unpleasant thought racing in my mind abt the guy but i left it as it is, letting the pain run in me while keeping a smily face.
The guy was oblivious abt the situation and kept on walking on.
So in conclusion it is not only in America but it is happening on the other side of the world too.....
Smiles from Singapore.........

Answer 6

Excuse me? Here in Texas,we still hold the door for a lady or stand while a lady approaches or leaves the table. I will even tip my cap to a lady regardless of her age.I'm 43 years old and I may seem old fashioned ,but I AM a true gentleman. And common courtesy NEVER goes out of style.

Answer 7

I don't know what is up with that, but thanks for brining it up! I HATE that...and even worse, I HATE it just as much when I hold the door for people and they walk right through like I owed to them...no thanks, or that was nice.....just walk through and if there is another door at my school, those same people will let the door shut on me right after I held it for them! UHHHHGGGHHH manners are free, and politeness can make the day of another! It shouldn't matter where you live, you should do it because it is the right thing to do!

Answer 8

I'm from Louisiana and just got back from Maine. Most of the folks up there are a bit...crude...in their manners. My daughter-in-law says that they just don't drill the kids in manners like we do in the south. But I have to say, most older people are very kind about holding doors and such. Whenever a young person holds one for me, I make sure I thank him/her and look them in the eye...maybe they'll do it again for someone else. Southerners use to do it automatically, but things are just changing as far as manners are concerned. Holding a door for a lady is a true mark of a gentleman.

Answer 9

Some people still hold doors for each other. But you are correct; not only the American society, but society in General is geting less polite.

Answer 10

I grew up in an era where it was considered the polite thing to do and still follow that rule. I think several things contribute to this no longer being done. One is the so called women's lib. Women became offended when the door was held for them. Also as people became more and more impatient and started following the me first mode, they think only of themselves and not whoever might be behind them.