How Common is Courtesy? – Guest Post by, Annette Rochelle Aben …

Posted on by The Story Reading Ape

September

is

National Courtesy Month.

Gee, I would think this would great if it were every month, if not every DAY! Okay, so let’s look at one way we can demonstrate courteous behavior. After all, if we are going to be invited to a party, we might as well be the best guest.

Holding Doors Open

As I am someone who walks with a walker, this is a major deal. The distance between my body and what is on the other side of the walker is usually 18 inches. There are times when I am in between the handles of the walker, so that may be 12 inches but that distance can make it a struggle to open a door, especially when going OUT of a building. I push the door, hold it with the walker, then take a hand and push it a bit more, then move the walker a bit more. Once I am close enough, I can use my head to push the door open even more, while moving the walker forward. And don’t you know there are times the wheels and skis on the walker can get caught on a welcome mat, so that means I must pay even more attention to the walker as opposed to the door, which is usually trying to close on me at the same time.

Yes, I can be a major source of entertainment for passersby however, the struggle is real and apparent because of the walker. There are people whose needs do not show themselves as readily and they, too, could use a hand with a door. To hold the door for someone takes a moment, or it may take several moments of your time. But the dignity it allows, is priceless. You can make a kind comment, such as, “Here, let me get that for you.” Or mention the weather, perhaps compliment them on their hat or smile. Engaging someone in this way, may help take the edge off how helpless they might feel and show that they have nothing to feel self-conscious about. Many people could use the help but they won’t ask for it for fear of being rejected.

Someone whose arms are filled with parcels, children or an animal would greatly appreciate having a door held. Those who have had their strength zapped from illness, anxiety or exhaustion might just perk up to be on the receiving end of such a kindness. Rather than having to HAVE a REASON, why not make it a habit to grab the door for someone else. If for no other reason, then it’s just common courtesy.

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46 thoughts on “How Common is Courtesy? – Guest Post by, Annette Rochelle Aben …”

  1. A lovely post, Annette. Common courtesy in any situation is such an easy thing to do and rarely takes more than a few moments of time. Open the door, carry the groceries, pick up something dropped, and on and on – there are so many ways we can help one another, but how many people choose not to?

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  3. Great post, Annette. I appreciate when people offer to help me reach things on high shelves at the supermarket because I am short. I try to help others when I see a need. Common courtesy should never be dead. If we all spread some kindness it can be catchy. Thank you for being such a special person. There should be more people like you out there. ❤️

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  4. Pingback: Writing Links…9/4/17 – Where Genres Collide

    • Awesome, thank you for the comment. I really believe that many people don’t want to assume that someone needs help, because there is something to be said for allowing a person their dignity. This is our world to enjoy and I happen to enjoy being kind. ❤

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    • Agreed. I have seen just as many senior citizens, breeze past me as younger folks, stopping to help. Being a senior citizen myself, it makes me wonder. But then I think, perhaps they are fighting a battle I cannot see, so I bless them and move on.

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  8. I hold the door for my elderly mother at stores, restaurants, senior centers, libraries, and so on, and it amazes me that about 1/4 of the people coming behind us go right in after her and leave me holding the door for the whole procession. Then I have to make my way through them to catch up to my mother. Most of the time though people relieve me and take care of themselves. However, I don’t like it when someone makes a big deal of holding the door for her and me. When I was wearing a back brace people rushed to open the door and offered to carry my parcels, and it rankled me. Sometimes we need to be attentive without a fuss, so people can ask for help, or not.

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    • Amen! I believe that be making accessible to all, you show respect for people. There are many a business I have not been able to patronize because of their restrictive conditions. Of course, they don’t really know what to say to me but at least they are aware. I am not a minority, I am in the majority of the population. It’s because so many cannot get in and out of places safely that they are not visible, therefore, many businesses imagine there aren’t that many.

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