Doors and elevators are where people meet in small spaces. Like lines, they work best with a few simple customs that keep people from bumping into one another.
Key idea
Hold a door for the person right behind you. Let people off an elevator before you get on. Offer to press the button for others, and stand aside to make room.
Why it works
Holding a door takes two seconds and saves the next person from a door swinging into them, especially if their hands are full. People inside an elevator need to get out before there is room for anyone to get in, so waiting to the side actually makes things faster for everyone.
Worked example: Hands full
Hana sees Mr. Diaz coming toward the library door with a big box. What should she do?
- Hold the door open for him and stand to the side.
- Wait until he is through.
- He will likely say “Thank you”; she can answer, “You’re welcome.”
Answer: Hold the door open and stand aside until he’s through.
Worked example: The elevator opens
At the doctor’s office, the elevator doors open and three people are inside, about to get off. Leo is in a hurry. What should he do?
- Step to the side of the doors.
- Let all three people get off.
- Then step in, move to the back, and press his floor.
Answer: Step aside, let them off, then get on.
Common mistake
Rushing into an elevator as soon as the doors open. The people inside can’t get out, and everyone is slowed down. Step aside and let people out first.
If someone holds a door for you, say thank you. If the person behind you is far away, you don’t need to wait; a door held too long can make them rush.
Customs differ. On escalators in many American cities, people stand on the right and walk on the left. Not every place does this, so watch what people around you do.