Do you hold the door for people who are walking in or out behind you?

Question

I do, and it peeves me when I don't get a "thank you". Even a small nod would be appreciated. I say "you're welcome" whether they thank me or not.

Thanks for all the great answers. For the record, I don't do it "for the thanks". I just can't help but think that if I say "you're welcome", maybe I will do them a favor by reminding them of their own manners. That's a kindness, as well, IMHO.

Answer 1

Yes I do. I take special care with oldsters and moms with strollers. I always say thanks and am not impressed if I don't get one. I tend to do the same, "You are welcome" as I walk away.

I also feel the say way about the courtesy wave when driving. It is SO RUDE when you give someone right of way or whatever and they just keep yapping on their cell and ignore you!

However, I still feel good that I did the right thing.

Answer 2

If you have performed a courtesy for someone it should simply be for the purpose of performing the courtesy. If you are holding a door in hopes of getting a "thank you" then you are doing it for the wrong reason and perhaps you are not as kind as you think you are. It has come to my attention that opening doors for others, saying thank you, yes mam and no sir are courtesies found most often in the southern states and are classic examples of "Southern Hospitality". I am sorry it peeves you but consider this--the ones who do not thank you are rude - you were still courteous.

Answer 3

Yes, I do it all the time and I agree with you, it peeves me a bit too sometimes. But I just shake my head and go about my day. After all, its the gesture that counts the most and 9 times out of 10 you get a thank you or a nod.

Answer 4

These days, I don't expect much from people in terms of common courtesy. I hold he door open because you never know what mood the other person is in and it is the right thing to do. But more and more, people are in their own little world...talking on their cell phone or listening to their ipod...and just ignoring what goes on around them. The best that I can do is try to be a good example to the people around me and hope that some of that rubs off.

Answer 5

My Momma taught me to always be a gentleman,and open the door either way for people,it's a common courtesy that is slowly fading,because people are so unappreciative nowadays.I choose to do it for my own pleasure whether they say thanx or not...Momma would have wanted me to be this kind of man...one who sets the standard for the younger men who call themselves playas!!! LOL Men!! ALWAYS grab the door for a lady!! Show some class and watch all the smilin' eyes you'll get!! Ahhh,Momma was so smart!!

Answer 6

At least twice a day at my son's preschool. And about 98% percent of the time I get a "thank you" but there is this one mom that is just rude. She once even let the door close on me...wtf? I now make it a point to open the door for her with a smile on my face and a very patronistic "you're welcome."
Maybe one day she'll get the point, but I doubt it.

Answer 7

Yes, I was raised this way. However, I have noticed a very marked decrease in acknowledgment from those whom I am holding the door open for. So...I wonder how much longer I shall continue to be courteous when those around me are ill-mannered.

Answer 8

Yes

Answer 9

Yeah, I'm a mum with a huge stupid pram and people are always offering to help me with doors and stairs, stuff like that. I feel I should return the favour and open doors for people, regardless of whether they're grateful or not.

Answer 10

Yes I do. But you know what makes me mad? When I'm walking towards a door and the person in front of me sees me and closes the door behind them instead of holding it open. What's up with that?