One thing about south Florida is we have a lot of elderly people.
And that means almost without fail, when I’m doing something like eating out there will be at least one “old guy” who obviously can’t get around too well and despite the number of people between me and the door NOBODY ever gets up to grab the door for the guy.
Now I don’t expect anyone to stop eating to walk him to his car or carry his belongings or any number of other things that might have been seen as “common courtesy” once upon a time, but it amazes me that people literally 6-10 feet from the door can’t just pop up out of their damn seat and grab the door for the guy.
Even worse, I don’t even think that most people notice or even think to do something like this. Every now and then, especially if you are at any kind of “dining out” restaurant an employee will grab the door for somebody like that but even that can’t be depended on 100%.
But if you are at any kind of fast food place, pizza joint, etc. you can pretty much forget it. And that means I have to stop eating, walk past 4-8 tables full of able bodied selfish assholes and grab the door for the guy. I don’t mind doing it, I just mind being the ONLY guy who seems to do it.
I also really don’t wanna be down here when I one day become the old guy who has a hard time getting around sometimes. I know I will truly be “on my own.”
I had total hip replacement surgery and when I use a cane people come out of the woodwork to hold and open doors for me. It’s kind of embarrassing as I can handle doors but people around here are just that way.
You ain’t the only one. I think that a lot of society look at that situation and says “not my problem, someone else will take care of it.” Then guys like you and me do take care of it.
I know I’m supposed to do it because that’s the way it’s supposed to work and one day people are “supposedly” going to help me but I can’t help feeling like every person I walk past owes me $1.
I would suspect that these elderly folks are from NY or NJ and have voted for Lautenberg and Schumer, just keep that in mind.
But you are doing the right thing.
I always hold the door for other people, or if someone is carrying something or like what happened with you. Not very common common courtesy. It is sad really.
My Grandfather and father “taught me” but I learned when people I respected would stop mid sentence in our conversation to go open the door for somebody or do something similar. It was the final reinforcement of what my father and grandfather had been saying all along.
My Grandfather was the kind who if we were in Hardee’s would say something like “Pop your ass out of that seat and go get the door for that guy.” It of course annoyed me as a kid even if I did understand it was the “right thing.” But seeing the examples of people I looked up to really got the message all the way home for me.
Me too and will continue to do so. But I also find more old people not acknowledging my effort with a simple thanks. Respect flows both ways. Merely living a long time does not entitle you.
The only reward of virtue is virtue and a display of honor is all the more powerful when it’s uncommon and made with pride. Expecting people to follow your example is too much to expect. Be content in yourself that you’ve done the right thing. I promise you, others noticed.
At some point, you can only do so much.
In the end it humbles me, that despite whatever differences we may have had in the past, you are a gentleman. I’ll endeavor to keep that in mind.
My 13 year old son, who is well on his way toward becoming an Eagle Scout, is the most thoughtful, kind & morally sound human being I know…period.
It fills me with a pride I can’t describe to see him go out of his way to get doors for women or the elderly/infirm without being told or even prompted by me. Hell, I’ll admit sometimes I haven’t even noticed that someone dropped something or needs a door opened and I turn around and he’s already doing it. He reminds ME to be a better person, which is ass backwards, I know.
Unfortunately, it is inevitable that some inconsiderate, self centered people will not even acknowledge his help with a simple smile or thank you. I just thank him FOR THEM, remind him how proud of him i am and quietly imagine the satisfaction I would reap from giving them a nice attention getting throat punch.
Don’t be afraid to take some credit for that. Most often, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. It’s also a result of good parenting. Good job bro!
Thanks, man. I’m pretty sure it’s his mother’s influence.
On another note, anybody else ever unknowingly held a door for a feminazi, only to get scolded and demeaned for oppressive, chauvinist behavior? True story, no shit.
Yep… and she got an “F.U. then” from me after she bitched at me.
My pet peeve is when you’re walking past someone & you catch eye contact, I’ll nod & say Hi and the other person just turns away & says nothing. What’s wrong with some people? That gets my goat like no other.
Yes, I am often the only person who makes a B line to such a person to make sure they can get through a door, or out of they chair, get groceries in their car, etc. Yes, i’m left with a “WTF is wrong with people?” feeling.
