The Doctrine of Door Holding: A Nontechnical Exploration

Everyday acts such as holding doors open have been the source of heated debates among folks. The question at hand is whether the person who holds the door and allows someone else to go first should hold it open for their immediate following or if there's a specific protocol to follow. In this piece, we delve into this situation with a focus on workplace behavior and general etiquette.

Workplace Behavior: Necessity or Courtesy?

For many, holding the door open is a natural courtesy that comes second nature in a professional environment. Having worked in New York City for most of my life, I understand the importance of identification. When swiping to enter an office, it's critical to have a badge. In an evacuation scenario, it would be reassuring for the police and firefighters to look for individuals based on the records of when they officially entered.

It's not just about being courteous to others; it's about being responsible for your own identification and presence. Holding the door open in a workplace setting is a convenience for others, but it is not a universal rule. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective communication and cooperation in a professional environment.

General Etiquette and Individual Preference

The golden rule of door holding is not absolute and can vary widely across different cultures and settings. As someone who adheres to this practice most of the time, there are certain exceptions that make it less practical, such as when I'm not at work and there are multiple people grouped together. In such scenarios, holding the door for the next person can indeed lead to an awkward run-walk hybrid, making it less efficient and somewhat cringe-worthy.

There's no one-size-fits-all solution to door holding. It is more about considering the situation at hand and being considerate of the people involved. If someone is holding too many items or clearly walking towards the door, it's entirely acceptable and kind to hold the door open for them. This act can be seen as a simple courtesy without the need for true protocol or rigidity.

Letting Go of Personal Upset and Living in the Moment

The issue of not holding the door can be vastly misconstrued. If someone moves on without holding it, they haven't attacked you, nor have they fully dismissed your actions. The best course of action is to live your life and be responsible for your own actions. If you get upset over the doorholding incident, it's because you've allowed it to distress you, not the other way around. It is important to remember that every person has their own set of values and boundaries, and what may be a minor annoyance to one person could be a sign of true courtesy to another.

People differ in their sensitivity to these acts of etiquette. If someone holds the door for you, it is a thoughtful gesture, but it is not a defining behavior. The real question is: What makes you upset? Is it the act itself, or your interpretation of it? Why would you even care about something that happened in the past? Holding the door is often a moment of kindness, and you should hold onto those moments and cherish them as part of a larger tapestry of human interaction.

Conclusion

The act of holding the door for others is a nuanced one, and its interpretation can vary. In the workplace, holding the door is often about convenience and cooperation, while in other settings it might be a matter of personal preference. The key is to find a balance that works for you while also being considerate of others. Being mindful of these nuances can help everyone in the long run. Let’s embrace these small acts of kindness without getting too caught up in the details and focus on living in the moment. After all, we are all human, and holding the door should be a moment of connection, not contention.