I Guarantee That You Make People Feel Awkward Everyday Doing This Little Action

Stop It!

I guarantee that you make people feel awkward almost every day and you don’t even realize you’re doing it.

I’ve been made to feel awkward many times, almost daily in fact, by people who unknowingly put me in a position to uncomfortably react to their inconsiderate actions.

I’ve had conversations with friends, coworkers and loved ones about this and almost everyone agrees that this imposition by others is incredibly annoying.

And I guarantee you do it to others all the time.

When I’m in a crappy mood, which isn’t often, I’ll sometimes make a sarcastic comment to the person who all but forces me to react to their personal offense.

But you know what?

I do it too.

Almost daily.

And I’m certain that you do it too.

And if you’re anything like me or most of the people I discuss this little act with, you probably don’t enjoy feeling uncomfortable when it’s done to you.

So why do you keep doing it?

I’ll admit that there are people who are not bothered by this gesture, which is usually meant to be a courteous act by the offender.

Well, maybe the word “offender” is a bit harsh, but I think for the purposes of this write-up it’s appropriate.

It’s Not Kind, It’s Annoying

Those who don’t give any thought to this little “act of kindness” are simply not petty.

I guess that means I’m petty.

Or I’m just grumpy.

Defending My Position

I’m going to defend my attitude on this a little bit.

I always appreciate a kind gesture like the one I’m talking about here and I almost always follow it up with a thank you.

But I must admit that sometimes I roll my eyes and sigh and wonder if the person putting me in the awkward position even knows that they’re doing it.

This will probably sound selfish. (Bring on the highlights)

See, I’m a very busy person and I move with intent, and I hustle when I walk almost everywhere I go.

I’m sometimes so self-centered that I get irritated when someone is just being courteous and trying to make my life a little easier.

In the defense of the offender, they probably feel like they’re doing something polite and kind.

The Other Side

There’s a flip side to this.

The offender in this little “act of kindness” likely feels just as awkward about you putting them in this uncomfortable situation also.

They may even be irritated that you’ve put them in a situation where they may feel obligated to act.

Personally, this doesn’t bother me as much because the situation just presents itself with no intention of any party involved.

So Why Do You Continue to Do It?

I’m pretty sure that most civilized people are taught manners from a young age and this is one small gesture that demonstrates that you care about your fellow man.

Because of this, I usually give everyone a pass for taking the time and energy to do this for me.

One thing is for sure though, I don’t have any ill feelings toward a child that shows their respect for me when they do this.

I don’t consider them offenders…

At least not yet.

They probably will be in 15 years.

It’s Almost Certain That You Do This Daily

I’m pretty sure that you are an offender like me.

I probably won’t stop doing this and you probably won’t either.

Does that make us annoying, inconsiderate people?

Absolutely not. In fact, this gesture has likely been ingrained in us since childhood. And let’s not forget about the chivalrous nature of this little action.

So what am I talking about here?

When you enter a room, you hold the door for the person who is coming up behind you.

Of course it’s simply the right thing to do if someone is next to you or immediately behind you.

But if someone is a little distance away from you, you stand there, likely making awkward eye contact, and hold the door open for the poor soul who is coming up from behind.

It’s probable that they will pick up their walking pace, or even jog, to get to the door so that you’re not inconvenienced by waiting for them. And it makes them feel awkward.

And you probably do it almost daily.

But…

Don’t stop doing it.

I know I won’t.

I intentionally wrote this piece tongue-in-cheek as I got the idea after having this discussion with a colleague last week.

We got a good laugh and I thought I’d share my (not entirely sincere) feelings with you.

So, are you an offender?

Let me know in the comments and clap 50 times if you enjoyed reading my post.

As always, thank you for reading, friends!

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