Category
Public Spaces
-
Public Spaces
Public Spaces Part 4: Conversations in the Wrong Spaces
Don’t make me walk between you
I understand that “stop and chats” often occur spontaneously throughout the day. You bump into someone and have a brief conversation wherever you happen to be. It’s a very natural tendency, especially when two people are walking in opposite directions, to stop in their tracks, no matter where that is. But try to be aware of your physical surroundings when this occurs. You may[...]
-
Public Spaces
Public Spaces Part 3: Don’t Sit so Close to Me
Are you lonely, or something?
How many times has this happened to you? You walk into an almost empty theater. You choose a good seat in a middle row, to get a great view of the show. Two minutes later, another person walks[...]
-
Public Spaces
Public Spaces Part 2: How to React to a Door Held for You
You have responsibilities when others are courteous to you
Last week, I talked about the “rules” for holding doors for others. Now I’d like to briefly discuss the appropriate reaction on the part of the recipient of this courtesy.
For starters, the other person is holding the door to prevent it from slapping you in the face. He or she is not holding it so that you can strut through like royalty. So extend your hand[...]
-
Public Spaces
Public Spaces Part 1: How to Hold a Door for Someone
05.11.09 | Permalink | 3 CommentsHolding a door doesn’t have to be complicated
- Holding for men vs. women, young vs. old, etc.: Just hold the door for everyone. Easiest thing to remember.
- Distance: This one varies from person to person. If someone is only a few steps behind you, obviously you should hold the door. If they are ten to twenty seconds from reaching you, you have to make a decision. At what point does being nice to someone else start to impede your progress through the day? You can spend several minutes a day waiting for others to reach doors, but you shouldn’t feel an obligation to do so. I say[...]
