When in public we are going into a building, we sometimes look behind us and see someone else coming. How long should we have to hold the door or how close should they be to us for us to stand and wait on them ? 10 feet behind, 20 feet behind, 15 seconds behind ?
2006-11-05 21:47:30 · 22 answers · asked by elthe3rd 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
usually for me, a few seps behind. And if they're taking their time, I just go in but if they quicken their pace, i'll wait for them.
2006-11-05 21:51:41 · answer #1 · answered by g Myzo 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I always keep a look out. If they are real close I always hold the door and I always hold the door open for those with kids, a pregnant woman, a handicapped, or elderly even if they are a little ways away I will usually wait if I know they are coming thru the door within seconds. Sometimes I may forget to look expecially if I have my little one in tow, but I try to remember the best I can. I would only hope that people would have the same respect for me if I needed help too.
2006-11-06 11:07:17 · answer #2 · answered by hehmommy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say about 10-15 feet behind. If you hold a door longer than that the person coming near to the door seems compelled to rush towards the door to thank you for your hospitality.
I think overall its a nice gesture :)
2006-11-06 08:41:00 · answer #3 · answered by Lucy lou 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You actually made me think about distance for this ! I would say after calculating in my head the lengths I have held open doors, to be about 10 feet / 10 seconds away. Actually anthing over 10, I will run through in my head if I am in a hurry or not. But if I were in a hurry I should of left alittle sooner in the first place !
2006-11-06 09:05:12 · answer #4 · answered by Kitty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go by their eyes. And also by your own patience! It's only a couple of seconds. Could be very valuable to you later on.
Once I went to a smalltown courthouse for a license. The staff were all excited and said, "Did you see the Senator? He just left, but you can catch him if you hurry! Go say hello! He is so nice!" I said, "With all this? How can I?" I was holding my new baby, the diaper bag, my license and papers, and felt like a real klutz. But the senator and the four suits with him heard all the talk. He squared his shoulders, turned around, walked all the way back down the hall and quietly talked with this little nobody for several minutes while the staff frantically looked at their watches. So I wasn't surprised at all when later Al Gore almost became President of the United States.
2006-11-06 07:17:11 · answer #5 · answered by shirleykins 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think seconds behind unless it is either someone you like, a woman pushing a baby carriage, someone with their arms full, a handicapped person...you can wait as long as you feel you want to.
It is perfectly understandable to not hold a door for someone...I think everyone knows and understands you have responsibilities, duties and a life to lead. People don't expect you to be kind but when you are, I'm sure it will be appreciated.
I think the idea of holding a door for someone is much like picking up something when someone drops it...you can and its nice but it isn't expected. (Not in America anyway.)
2006-11-06 05:51:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends purely on how conscientious you are, I don't live in New York City - Where I'm from, you hold the door, give up the seat, and believe in karma! No bad karma in doin' the right thing! If the store has fifteen minutes left open, you can hack ten of those for door traffic, mate, you'd be a legend!
2006-11-06 06:04:49 · answer #7 · answered by renclrk 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I see someone coming, even if they are 30-40 feet away, I will wait and hold it. I just don't like when I end up feeling like a "doorman" and it seems as though 50 people go through. (especially if someone I am with is waiting for me in the front of that 50 people!)
2006-11-06 05:52:11 · answer #8 · answered by oh_what_a_wabbit 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A few steps behind or it will be uncomfortable for the other person. They will rush to accept your kindness, which can be awkward.
On the other hand, if it is an older person, someone with a handicap, or small children, any little bit of help at any pace is a good thing.
2006-11-06 10:27:33 · answer #9 · answered by swtfreedom1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For me it depends on how I'm feeling that day. If they are right behind me, I will hold it open no matter how I feel that day.
If they are going to be able to be at the door within say 30 seconds I'll wait.
If they are elderly or handicapped I will wait even longer.
If it's way below zero it's everyone for themselves.
2006-11-06 07:07:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would hold the door if there's someone right behind me or a few steps behind me. Otherwise, I wouldn't wait or hold the door.
2006-11-06 06:34:30 · answer #11 · answered by prudence z 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋