The potential for outright hilarity regarding turnabout

[crfriend]

I addition to here, I tend to hang out on LinkedIn, and "liked" (and commented on) an image that an ex-co-worker "liked". The image showed a rather dapper "youngster" in a three-piece suit and a caption of, "Always hold the door open for a lady. Not because she is a lady, but because you are a gentleman."

Now, whilst I think the notion of "ladiness" is about as dead as a door-nail, I still adhere to the notions of politeness and will hold doors open for others (irrespective of sex), especially if they're more frail than I am. It's just part of what and who I am.

My comment on the image was: "I like the sentiment, and always try to execute on it, but the number of times I've been called a "sexist pig" for doing so is rather staggering." The first time that happened, it hurt -- until I recognized the feminazi dynamic likely in play.

So, a few minutes after I posted my comment this one came back: "Carl, continue to do so. Ignore the crass comments!! I do not enjoy people who separates themselves from who they are. Everyone is an "individual" and should be respected! You did the right thing, but never be offended if a lady opens the door for you:)"

My initial response (which was not posted) to that was, "Why could I possibly be offended?" -- and then, "If that ever happened, I might have to hike the hem of my skirt a bit to get to the door quicker so as not to make her wait!" There is something almost sublime in that. Isn't turnabout grand!

[skirted_in_SF]

I hold doors for people of all genders and ages. I've not received a negative reaction since I was in college during the early 70s.

[Tor]

I'll often hold, or "pass" doors, albeit usually only when the timing is close enough that the door would still be partly open. The most common exception is at the post office, where I've been been known to walk a distance to the door to open it for someone with an armload of packages. Never thought of it as anything more than common decency. Never gotten a negative reaction that I recall, either.

[Couya]

Nothing unusual about holding doors for other people here (Andalucia). Do you know, drivers even stop for pedestrians at crossings and wait behind a cycle until the the road is completely clear before overtaking. Never saw that in France.
Martin

[dillon]

With the astounding number of traffic spy cameras in Spain, it doesn't surprise me that people comply with, or perhaps cower beneath, the law. One can make the case that it promotes the public welfare and public safety, but it's a bit too Orwellian for my liking.