What is the etiquette for holding the door open for a woman?
September 4th, 2007 | by door |
Jason asked:
If you have to push to open the door what do you do? Do you go through the door first and hold the door open or do you just open the door with your arm and let the girl go through first?
GIOVANNI
If you have to push to open the door what do you do? Do you go through the door first and hold the door open or do you just open the door with your arm and let the girl go through first?
GIOVANNI
8 Responses to “What is the etiquette for holding the door open for a woman?”
By JM on Sep 6, 2007 | Reply
let the girl go through first.
By azred_tx on Sep 7, 2007 | Reply
That depends upon the circumstances and what else I might be carrying. If I carry nothing, I don’t mind opening the door and letting her go through first; if my arms are full I will walk through then hold it open from the other side.
Other than holding the door open for someone else, there is no “correct” way of doing it.
By super_snare_1 on Sep 9, 2007 | Reply
I think as long as you hold the door, it’s not a big deal which way you hold it.
Either way is kind.
By Caliente on Sep 9, 2007 | Reply
Open the door with your arm and let the ladies go first.
By llmaryll on Sep 12, 2007 | Reply
be a gentleman and let the girl go first. tnx
By kell on Sep 14, 2007 | Reply
If you have to push the door open then you walk through first and hold it open so she may walk through.
By Rachel.. on Sep 16, 2007 | Reply
Honestly, I don’t really think it matters. Either way is an appropriate and kind gesture.
By rememberthecole on Sep 17, 2007 | Reply
If the door opens outward you go through the door first and hold it open from the other side so she has a wide open door and does not have to worry about body contact with you. (See your question on vestibules.)
A large part of etiquette is to be helpful without anyone looking like an idiot. If you try to hold the door open from the inside you will be expending a lot of energy and if there is a wind you may not be able to do it due to the leverage. The door could blow closed on her which is something you want to avoid at all costs.