door for them to catch, and if so, how far do they have to be behind you for you to wait. Such as, do you wait for people 10 steps or less behind you, or up to 50 feet behind you, or how long?
2006-08-16 08:56:05 · 18 answers · asked by nalashelby 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
It usually depends. I would say on average, 10 steps or less. If they were that close and I let the door close it would be slammed in their face (very rude). Even if I can't wait for them to get to the door, I'll push the door open as far as I can, as a gesture, so maybe the door won't be all the way shut by the time they get there. I also tend to make exceptions for the elderly, handicapped, mothers with strollers or little ones, and people with their hands full. (I'll hold the door longer for them, assuring them it's ok to take their time)
I just hate when I hold the door open for one person and 10 more follow, instead of holding it for each other, I get left standing there.
2006-08-16 09:03:33 · answer #1 · answered by goodlittlegirl11 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a function of how far back they are (the closer they are the more likely I will hold the door). How old they are (older = hold the door). male or female (female = hold the door, sorry feminists I'm trying to be considerate not patronizing). If they have kids. And for the sake of honesty how they look (good looking and friendly = hold the door).
The thing that is really interesting is that for women, children and the elderly I will hold the door open the entire time they enter, with men I merely wait for them to get close enough to grab the door for them-self and then I let go.
2006-08-16 16:48:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they are a LADY or eldery I will wait pretty long - I even step aside and allow them to enter first. If it is a guy or a WOMAN I will try and keep the door open and let them catch it for themselves......
Yes, I make a quick judgement between a LADY and WOMAN - I am from the South and I can tell the difference easily.
2006-08-16 16:14:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If someone is fairly close behind me, like 5 steps or so, then yes. If I have to stand and wait for them, no. But what's REALLY rude to me is when you hold a door for someone and they don't even say thank you.
2006-08-19 22:09:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always hold a door open for people if it is obvious that they are approaching the same door, no matter how far behind they are, especially if they are elderly / disabled / mother with pram etc.
2006-08-16 19:10:38 · answer #5 · answered by manorris3265 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just to the person behind you. I think its rude if the person behind you doesn't take the door and hold the door them self. I think they are selfish if other's aren't going to take the door as well. especially when they don't say Thank you. I say to the next person who doesn't say Thank you let go of the door.
2006-08-16 17:47:10 · answer #6 · answered by jrealitytv 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are within speaking distance, it is probably polite to hold the door for that person (perhaps about 10-15 steps behind you). They should then take the door from you, say "Thank you," and allow you to pass. If they just enter, leaving you to hold the door, then they are extremely rude.
For those self-absorbed jerks who do not bother to thank me, I am always certain to say "You're welcome!" as loudly and as sarcastically as possible . . .
2006-08-16 16:10:39 · answer #7 · answered by alchemist0750 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always hold the door open for people behind me, but usually not much farther than ten steps, you end up looking like an idiot if you hold it anymore than that length
2006-08-16 16:02:38 · answer #8 · answered by Wish 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A few steps behind me.
If it is an elderly person or someone with kids I would wait for them 10 steps and more.
2006-08-16 16:18:23 · answer #9 · answered by mumtaz 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'll hold the door if they're less than 10 feet away and it looks like they're moving at a reasonable pace (not too slow).
2006-08-16 16:02:23 · answer #10 · answered by tucsondude 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋