Listen to me read this post:
Call me old-fashioned, but I’m a firm believer in opening the door for people. And notice, I said, “people.” Where we, as a society, got the idea that you should only open a door for a woman is beyond me. I think holding a door open for a woman should be mandatory, yes, but I think it’s important for the guys to get a door hold from time to time, as well. I’ll tell you this, if you’re lucky enough to be walking within 15-feet behind me and the two of us are destined to enter the same building, you better believe that door is going to be held for you. No tip necessary, it’s on the house.
I take pride in holding the door. If my career in marketing, video production, writing, or whatever it is I’m calling my profession these days…if that doesn’t work out, I think I would be an excellent hotel doorman (I’d also be pretty good playing one of Santa’s Helpers at the mall because I do a really good job at pretending to be cheery, even if I’m not, but that’s another story). What I’m saying to you is that I enjoy holding the door. It’s one of those little things that says so much more. Even if I’m just silently holding the door, I’m thinking, as you walk inside, “Hello, I respect you as a human being and am glad that we are able to share this planet with each other and call it our home. I hope you have a lovely day.”
And, usually, holding the door is a joyous occasion for me. It thrills me to no end when someone is pleasantly surprised to see the door being held for them. They smile. I smile. Everyone is all warm and squishy feeling inside. That is, until you run into the pompous pedestrian. The PP makes my blood boil. You’ll know he/she the second you see them. Their cell-phone will, no doubt, be glued to their ear, while they carry on a conversation, completely oblivious to everything around them. They never smile, because there just isn’t enough time in their busy schedule for those kind of pleasantries. Don’t expect a thank you, that’s for sure. If you even get eye contact, know that this was either a fluke, or a complete strain on the PP’s ego. And finally, you know you’re dealing with a seasoned PP, when they get mad at YOU for not opening the door fast enough. The PP expects everyone to do their bidding and you are no exception. But, don’t worry, there’s an ancient proverb that I think about whenever this scenario presents itself to me: Ye who doth not thank thee door holder verbally or via pleasant gesture, shall have many a door of opportunity closed on them. Karma has been served! IN YOUR FACE, PP!
So, the next time you find yourself walking up to a door, do a quick glance back. Is there someone within 15 feet of you? Hold that door! Trust me, more times than not, you’ll be glad you did. If it’s a lady, I’ll usually extend my 15-foot rule to 25 or 30 feet (and if it’s a really pretty lady, I’ll stand there all day long and get the door on her way in and out). Holding the door is a lost art form and I propose we all do our part to see it thrive, once again. Hold a door for someone today and report back here on the experience. It felt good, didn’t it?
Do you hold the door for people? Have you enjoyed someone else holding the door for you, recently? Is there a certain door-holding technique you use that you would care to share with us? Leave a comment and tell us more.
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