after you

Someone I work with stopped by my office the other day for a random conversation. He pointed out that he had been thinking about one of those things that is relatively inconsequential, but that it was something that might qualify as the main topic for a sitcom. His topic was actually something that I have considered as a blog post in the past, so it will be my topic today.

The topic was the gray area regarding when you are obligated to hold the door for someone else. How far does someone need to be from the door before holding it open is not necessary? How close does someone have to be before it isn't awkward waiting for them to get to the door? Unfortunately, with the different speeds that people walk, the range seems to change based on whomever happens to be behind me when I am going through a door. I actually frequently adjust the speed that I walk to the door to my office building in the morning so as to avoid those gray areas.

The guy I was talking with noted that when he holds a door open he usually expects thanks. I don't, but that's probably a personality thing more than anything. I generally hold the door for social reasons and so I'm not responsible for the door slamming into someone's face. It really isn't for incredibly altruistic purposes. If someone thanks you in that situation it is more obligatory anyway, so it doesn't mean much.

I generally like to use the elevator as well in the morning. I will take the stairs, though, if going toward the elevator will lead to another gray area decision. I don't like to have to figure out if I should hold the elevator door for someone else, or to have someone else make the decision about me. Something about awkward elevator situations makes me feel like I am that creepy guy that a lot people aren't comfortable riding with in the elevator. I don't want to be that creepy guy and I don't want to be the jerk who doesn't hold the elevator open for others, either. That's okay, though. I could use the exercise.