Doorway Etiquette

Are you one of those people who is always inconvenienced at doorways having to hop around on one foot to get in or out or are you one of those people that are irately excused or shoo-ed away from doorways? Either way, this read should be worthwhile.

Here is the basic rule – those who are exiting have priority over those who are entering. If you are about to enter and there are some people lined up to exit, step aside for a moment and let them pass. The building you are about to enter will still be there after this moment lapses.

Not to make you a doorman or gatekeeper of sorts, but do hold the door open for the next person (if there is such a person) once you go through a door.

If someone holds open a door for you, please say thank you and take over the job until the next passer by takes over. Whoever who held open the door for you (unless he is the doorman who is paid by the establishment), is only being polite. S/he is under no obligation to hold doors open for you and the cohort of people behind you. If you are laden with bags or are carrying a child and cannot physically hold open a door for another, say thank you and move on. Otherwise, please stay back and keep the door open for the next person.

If you need help with a door, please say ‘Please’ and ask someone to help you with the entrance and thank whoever it is for their kindness.

When you need to stop to catch your breath, respond to a WhatsApp message or fetch your keys, don’t dunk all the bags and stand bang in the middle of a doorway. Go to a suitable corner where you will not be in anyone’s way, park your bags and baggage against a wall or some unused part of the building and take your break.

When you bump into someone you know, as you shake hands or give a hug, move out of the pathway that everyone is using and most certainly clear the doorway. You can chit chat without being in other people’s way.

These may sound frightfully familiar to you, yet, how often do we experience everything to the contrary? Share this article with someone who probably needs to make this bit of etiquette habitual.
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