I was pretty young when I learned that "you're supposed to hold doors open for people...it's courteous." Something so simple could actually make someone's day or contribute to someone labelling me "courteous or polite", perhaps even "nice." So, throughout the years, I've tried to be the gentleman and do those things that gentlemen do...hold the door for people (not just girls), offering my coat to my date, offering my chair to a person who would otherwise have no place to sit.
Now to the recipients of such acts...say THANK YOU! I can't tell you how many times I've held open a door for someone and did not hear anything polite. Just like they expected me to do it. It's times like this that I'm tempted to say "You're welcome" to teach them the error of their ways. It happened this past Saturday at a local restaurant. It's happened at church too, sadly enough. Gentlemen aren't easy to come by these days and it's no wonder if we don't appreciate them going out of their way to show some common decency.
It doesn't take long to say it, and it doesn't matter if you don't want their seat or their coat, or that someone else went out the door before or after you...even if you heard them say thank you. When you see these acts, reward the gentleman with those two simple words that make doing it worthwhile.
I am passing these values on to my kids because it's good for them to think of others. I don't want them to be selfish boys who only think of themselves and no one else. We're all brothers and sisters even though we're strangers. I would much rather see my kids hold open a door for a stranger than to see them let the door go right in front of someone without regard or respect. When you see them doing these things, reward them by acknowledging that they thought of you and that you noticed. Afterall, these are gentlemen in training. And it sure beats the alternative!
