Quote:
Originally posted by Bad_Rich_Chic
No, the crowding situation and inability to freely maneouver on either side of the door makes it different. Out and to the side works if the man is not getting off the elevator at that floor (i.e.: he is just clearing the door for those who are getting off), but if he, too, is getting off he just needs to bloody well get off and clear the door entirely while waiting for whomever he is continuing with. I note that either "stand to one side" or "out and to the side" in that situation make it awkward for the man to lead his female companions once they are out of the elevator, which is his obligation under "ladies first" rules properly practiced (at best, he and his lady friends will be rearranging themselves directly in front of the elevator, thus back to the blocking the door problem).
Of course, this is all applicable only to social situations. "Ladies first" never, ever applies (or applied) in the workplace. Confusing social and business manners is bad manners.
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Disagree. There may be a box of manners trotted out for each instance, but certainly there is significant overlap. Door-holding, provided it isn't accompanied by unmannerly but gender-based leering, is certainly appropriate regardless of the situation.
And to the arrangement and rearrangements after the elevator-door dance, I've seen this all flow quite smoothly, so I'm certain it isn't impossible.
I will agree it's ridiculous to twist oneself (or someone else) like a pretzel merely to meet the letter of the mannerly law (I've seen men literally run ahead, leaving the female companion companionless, in efforts to make a dramatic show of holding the door for her; this is silly).
