May 2009
The Archives
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Elevators
Elevator Etiquette Part 10: More on Conversations
Talking to Strangers
There’s nothing wrong with striking up casual chat on elevators with people you don’t know. But remember the boundaries of casual chat. If the person seems like he or she would rather be left alone, accept that, and leave him or her alone. Just because you feel like brightening someone’s[...]
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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[...]
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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[...]
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Customer Service
On Customer Service Part 6: Either You’re in Line, or You’re Not
Don’t get in line until you’re ready
Retail store lines are getting longer all the time. Economic crisis or not, people are still out shopping, as far as I can tell. Which is why it’s important for us all to remember the rules of checkout lines.
Rule number one: You’re either in the line, or you’re not.[...]
