Not sure how to react...

[Selena]

Today I had to go to town and as I stopped to go into a building a guy in his late teens, early 20's opened the door for me and... tipped his hat. The latter is something I've never seen from anyone younger than sixty years old before. Despite the sad nature of my chore it brightened my day to know that some parents are still teaching their sons the social niceties. There may be hope for the future yet.

 

[JFB]

I hope you looked him in the eye and gave at less an attemp of a smile
(even if the task at hand was not pleasant)

 

[blackhawknj]

In my youth I met plenty of "senior citizens" with no manners, now that I am one (71) I still keep running into them. Has everything to do with upbringing and character, nothing to do with age or generation.

 

[Rick Courtright]

Hi,

A smile and "Thank you" is a common response around here if a door is held for a lady. "Thank you, Sir" is common when the door's held for a gentleman. We've heard a lot more of both from younger people in the last 4-5 yrs.

Rick C

 

[BlkHawk73]

Not entirely sure where it got it from, but my son, 19yo, does the hat tip thing.

 

[gjgalligan]

I was taught to open doors for ladies and still do so. But I run to more then one "lady" that was unpleasant and rudely told me that they were capable of opening the door themselves.
All most makes me wanna say to heck with being polite!

 

[Dave P.]

Today I had to go to town and as I stopped to go into a building a guy in his late teens, early 20's opened the door for me and... tipped his hat. The latter is something I've never seen from anyone younger than sixty years old before. Despite the sad nature of my chore it brightened my day to know that some parents are still teaching their sons the social niceties. There may be hope for the future yet.

Maybe you reminded him of his grandmother?
Dave

 

[contender]

I hope you were polite back at him,, as you noted,, he was being polite to you!

It's refreshing to see SOME younger folks who appear to have manners,, a work ethic, or in general,, anything that shows respect or good character qualities.

Miss penny & I see it some,, and we make SURE we tell that young person it's appreciated & advise them that it will carry them further in life. (We have a couple of teens who work a cafe we frequent that we've done this with.)

And while I'm near a very liberal area,, (Asheville NC,,) I've not had any female species scold me for holding or opening a door. So, gjgalligan, may I make this suggestion; if you get scolded for holding or opening a door,, smile nicely, and say; "My apologies,, I thought I was holding the door for a lady,, I guess I was mistaken." And here in the south,, I'd follow that with; "And bless your heart!"

 

[Ale-8(1)]

So, gjgalligan, may I make this suggestion; if you get scolded for holding or opening a door,, smile nicely, and say; "My apologies,, I thought I was holding the door for a lady,, I guess I was mistaken." And here in the south,, I'd follow that with; "And bless your heart!"

So . . . stoop to their level? Great plan. :roll:

 

[Dave P.]

"My apologies,, I thought I was holding the door for a lady,, I guess I was mistaken." And here in the south,, I'd follow that with; "And bless your heart!"

Does all that translate to "screw you" ?
Dave

 

[GRAMPS 51]

Hi i always do but as said above i had a woman actually swear at me for doing so and another ask me what the hell do you want my response both times in a little tone was have a nice day there are some grouchy rude people out there

Gramps

 

[Johnnu2]

My mother taught me to always hold the door for a woman and the elderly; and now that I'm an old man in my late 70's, many hold the door for ME (even though I don't really look like I need the help... I think ).
Either way..... it's always a THANK YOU around here......
J.

 

[57springer]

"My apologies,, I thought I was holding the door for a lady,, I guess I was mistaken." And here in the south,, I'd follow that with; "And bless your heart!"

Does all that translate to "screw you" ?
Dave

:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[caryc]

I don't waste my time on rude people. If it was me I'd shut the door and say Ok, open it yourself.

 

[bogus bill]

I tried that once and the "person" said "What's the matter buster. Dont ya know a bull dy-- when ya see one? "

 

[turd]

I was taught to open doors for ladies and still do so. But I run to more then one "lady" that was unpleasant and rudely told me that they were capable of opening the door themselves.

I was taught to do this also, and have had this experience several times. I just say "Have a nice day", and let it go at that. If they are not too stupid, they will realize you were just being nice, not implying anything. Just let it go.

Most of the time I get a nice smile and a nod with a thank you, and that makes the effort well worth it to me. Perhaps you made someone's day.

Selena, I hope you responded this way, it makes the day and sometimes the task a little easier to deal with. JMHO.

In this city there is a car license plate that says 'Be Kind'. Says it all in just two words. We ALL need a little kindness.

 

[jgt]

It is just a polite thing to do like saying yes ma'am or yes sir, walking on the street side of a woman, giving up a sitting place to a woman, or opening the door for anyone (including a woman) entering the same building as you are. This politeness cost little and allows one to serve his fellow man/woman in small ways even if not acquainted with them.
I have never had a problem while residing in Texas extending these traditions, but have been met with resentment or hostility while extending them in other states. I would not care to quit extending such politeness for fear of pushback. I get more positive than negative responses.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

I will always offer a polite action. If it's not accepted graciously, I just move on. No sense trying to score a put-down on someone who is not appreciative of my little effort.

 

[toysoldier]

It's quite possible the young man is a fan of old movies, and was putting himself in a scene. Nice to see, anyway.

 

[Colonialgirl]

If I'm in a grocery checkout line with a basket load and someone with only two or three items gets in line behind me, I always offer to let them go first; Doesn't matter if it's a male or female.

 

[Paul B]

I did open a door for a "lady" a few years back only to get a snarl saying she could open her own doors. I answered back that I was taught the a gentleman opened and held doors for ladies. I see in your case I was mistaken." I swear that "lady" could out cuss a Marine DI.
Paul B.

 

[Selena]

It's quite possible the young man is a fan of old movies, and was putting himself in a scene. Nice to see, anyway.

Yes, and I let him know I did appreciate the gesture. Eventually he is going to run into one the "symbol of patriarchal oppression" types and be less "forward" with his training. For now it was a glimmer of hope in a rather bleak situation. I would rather think that somewhere in Jasper county a father is teaching his son the basics of being a gentleman. May his numbers increase.

 

[Pat-inCO]

I had one happen many years ago while I was doing some business travel. There
was a tiny lady sitting in the center seat (I was on the aisle) and we were coming in
to Atlanta, and running late. She had a connecting flight to catch and was worried
about making it. - - - As we were landing I told her that she needed to have
everything ready, and as the plane stopped at the gate, I would jump out into the
aisle so she could deplane as expeditiously as possible. - - - Everything fine.
The plane stopped and I jumped out into the aisle and some BIG and less than
polite "lady" started yelling that she had a connecting flight. I said "Do you think
you are the Lone Ranger? This LADY also has a flight to catch." - - - Well, there
were several that laughed, quite a few smiled, and the little lady had a better chance
to catch her flight.

Some times you just have the best comments come out without planning them.