It would be nice if folks acknowledged it in some way but I dont let it get to me. I hold doors for others as my little gesture of good will to others in my everyday life, I get the same pleasure whether they say anything or not. As am I. I dont embrace many aspects of my southern upbringing, but personal politeness towards others of my community was always one of those I did. As for the distance, you just gotta wing it. Do the mental calculations to figure out how much time you have to spare versus how fast or close they are to the door.
I hold doors open but I would say I have a 5 second window. If somebody is more than 5 seconds behind me, I'll just quickly get in and let the door shut behind me and act like I didn't notice them there. Conversely if somebody is kind enough to hold a door open for me, I will respond with a thanks. It is the civil thing to do.
If someone opens the door a long way, I keep my stride, smile and wave. Then a thanks when I pass. Sometimes I pretend run if it's someone I know. It's all conditional on whether I hold the door or not. Men I don't know: You're on your own buddy Women I don't know: Be a gentleman Friends I know: Sure People I don't like: Pretend they're not there or bump the door...the pretend hold. You're so vested into this that carrying a shiv is the only way to go.
I was always hold it open if there is some big booty hoe. WOrth holding the door for 5 or so seconds if you can get a good view for about 15 seconds
If I know for sure that I would hold the door for someone just behind me, and it is a reasonable amount of distance or time before they get there and I am not in that much of a rush, I expect them to do the same as good Samaritans. :grin: The people that truly piss me off are the ones that are CLEARLY right in front of you, open the door, know FOR SURE you're behind them also going in (or out) and don't even hold it. I say loudly: "THANKS! So courteous!" sarcastically... if they look mad I pointed out their impoliteness, I just put up my hand and nod my head like saying a "you heard me, I said 'thanks', joto!"... makes them THINK for next time. Other people laugh and shake their heads because they know I'm right. I think that does the job.
Way too much thought has gone into this. Sometimes I hold doors for people, sometimes I bump it, sometimes I just let it go. Sometimes I'll hold it open and follow them through, sometimes I'll step through and hold it open from the other side. Man or woman doesn't really matter. If they're carrying stuff, that does figure in. But, I don't have a lot of rules around it otherwise. I don't want to have to make a ton of calculations as I cross every threshold. Yeah, I'm sure that's the reason they're laughing.
lol, me neither. imo, everyone is entitled to have a door held open for them. i hold doors open for old people, young people, male, female...it takes zero effort and maybe a few extra seconds of my time. I don't expect to be thanked, unless i'm waiting on the person for like 10-15 seconds or something. it does annoy me when someone (especially a dude) lets a door shut RIGHT in my face. i've really come to appreciate men who happily hold doors and allow you to get off the elevator first without being creepy about it. they always get an enthusiastic smile and thanks.
^ Do girls also get a smile and a "Thanks!"? Be fair. I see your sarcasm and I raise you an "I think you're right... the reason they're smiling or laughing might be my clown costume..."
Just keep on being a nice person and stop worrying about what other people think about you. I'll hold the door open for you if you're behind me. But if you're too far behind or walking pretty slowly I won't bother. It's not an obligation. The fact that I didn't suspend my world for one minute so that a random stranger could walk by doesn't make me less of a nice person. And the stranger's opinion is irrelevant as well.
I look back and see their pace. IF they are close I will hold it open. If they are old and semi-close, I will hold it and wait. Usually the elderly will start talking to you when they see you holding it. My biggest peeve is when I let the females in, the dudes want me to hold the door open for them too. You're a man, catch the door yourself. I just let go usually when that happens.
