It’s Easy to Master Entering and Exiting and the Etiquette of Doors

Sometimes common courtesy is common sense.

There’s a right way and a wrong way to do just about everything, and entering and exiting through doors is no exception. It’s common courtesy and common sense.

Too picky, you think?

Rules make it easier. When someone arrives at the same spot at the same time as us, rules of etiquette remove confusion and embarrassment. After a while, it becomes like waiting in line.

We all know that whoever is next goes next, and we all know what happens when someone fails to observe this rule. It’s not pretty.

Doorway etiquette is merely being mindful and aware of who is around you.

So, someone is entering. Someone is exiting. Who has the right of way?

What are some of the rules of sharing doorways with our fellow human beings?

It’s easier than you think.

It doesn’t have anything to do with age or status. You don’t have to make any judgments, decisions, or give it any thought.

It’s simple. The person exiting has the right of way.

Why is this so?

When you step out, exit, an enclosed area, you’re making room for someone else. It’s a matter of simple physics. You’re vacating space that an individual is going to take, and two people cannot occupy one space at the same time.

An excellent way to remember this simple rule is to envision yourself waiting to get on a bus or a train. People have to get off before there is room for passengers to get on. It only makes sense that you let them out first.

And it’s like taking someone’s seat when they stand. You wouldn’t stand in front of them because they wouldn’t be able to get by you. First, they stand to leave, you step back to give them room, and then you sit down.

So if you open the door to enter and someone is standing there, step back and let them out.

It’s more difficult for them to step back into a crowded room to let you in.

Make sense?

Courtesy and Common Sense Meet

When you pull a door open to enter, continue to hold it for the person behind you. If you’re with someone, stand aside and let them enter first or make sure they grab the door.

When you push a door open, step inside and stand aside. Again, don’t let go of the door. Make sure the person behind you has the door under control.

Regarding door etiquette, the general rule is, first come, first serve like two cars arriving at a stop sign simultaneously. Whoever arrives first holds the door.

If I arrive at the door second, why would I stand there and wait for someone to open it for me? I could, but I’d look ridiculous.

The exception is if someone is carrying something and doesn’t have a free hand. Or if someone has a physical limitation of some kind.

Don’t let the door fly in someone’s face, but if you have to stand and wait for any amount of time, it’s okay to close the door.

Your Front Door

When you have guests over to your house, greet them, and hold the door as you invite them in. At the end of the evening, walk your guests to the door. The same applies to business meetings with clients.

All in all, it’s giving someone direction in unfamiliar territory and making them feel welcome in a strange place. When you’re the host, this is your first contact with your guest.

As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

As a guest, when you decide to leave, don’t loiter in the hall as this is a thoroughfare. Standing in front of the door and saying long good-bys was one of my father’s pet peeves.

“You’re welcome to come back in and stay as long as you’d like, but we need to get out of the way. So please come back in or leave.”

I agree it was a bit blunt. But looking back, it makes sense.

Courtesy is Kind

Door courtesy is merely being kind and considerate of those around you. And efficient with the space you have.

Hold your head up when you approach a door and observe what’s going on.

It makes it easier for everyone.