Etiquette: Door to Door

Dear Reader,

I have had numerous inquiries regarding door etiquette over the past few days. I guess since Winter is coming, people want to know the rules in order to get into buildings and homes as quickly as possible. I will get right to our lesson to-day...

It is always important to be courteous to others and keep their needs in mind before yours. That is the whole point of learning and using my etiquette rules. The only people who suffer in this world are those who do not benefit from the knowledge of the rules and the blessing of implementing them in order to be considerate of others. How dreadful it is that such are among us! I dream of a community where everyone knows the rules and follows them--off to Heaven!

Here are some easy pointers regarding door manners:

1. Men (gentlemen, that is) always open doors for ladies (even in business--politeness and consideration do not take a break during working hours), older men, those of a more prominent stature (supervisor, political superior, etc.) and the handicapped. Basically, a man opens a door for everyone else. One opens a door if he and another person are approaching a door at the same time. People of etiquette knowledge know the rules and will stop to let the proper person open the door first.
2. Anyone entering or exiting a premisis should hold the door for another person approaching same if within a reasonable distance. However, if someone is exiting his car in the parking lot of the super market and you are leaving the building, there is no need to wait for such person.
3. Ladies open doors for older ladies and young children, but not gentlemen, unless very elderly or handicapped.
4. Teens and children should follow the above rules for their appropriate gender with each other, but should always open doors for those who are elder to them, if physically able.
5. Parents should open doors for their children until they are in the pre teen years--then the above rules apply.
6. The person opening a door to a building (public or private) should allow people exiting to come through first. Once the path is clear, he may enter. This rule also applies for elevators.
7. When a man and woman are walking together and approaching a building, the lady should slow down as to allow the man to get the door. If she does not, the situaltion will be awkward.
8. The only tricky exception is if somone is carrying a heavy package, the rules are suspeneded. A lady may get the door for a young, able man in such instance, for example, unless the man is hired, then she does not.

Now, the same rules basically apply for automobiles as well, with the exception of children. Parents should open the doors for their children until they are in the later teen years. They must ensure proper safety precautions are taken with seat belts, etc. until the children are old enough to effectively manage this themselves.

If two or more persons of equality are engaged before a door, it will just be up to them who takes the initiative. However, it is always better to err on the side of politeness. And remember, you never want to be outdone in politeness by someone of a lower class or standing. Heavens! That piece of advice comes from George Washington.

If you have a specific "door situation" you would like me to address, please drop me a line at hildegardefillmore@hotmail.com.

That is all, my dear reader. Until next time...

HF