Dear Queenie,
Would you please settle an argument about etiquette?
When two couples are out together, who is supposed to open and hold the door for the women? I say the first man to get to the door should hold it for both women. My boyfriend says he should open the door for me and the other guy should open it for his date.
Queenie, who is right?—Unliberated woman
Dear Unliberated woman,
According to the etiquette books, you are right. The first man to reach the door should open it and hold it until both women have entered or exited. If he is really courteous, he will hold it for the other man too.
However, this has been a moot point since Women’s Lib. Some women feel it is demeaning for a man to behave as though they are not capable of opening a door for themselves. Personally, I appreciate the chivalry, especially if I am carrying anything in my hands.
I suspect the etiquette books will eventually be updated to say that the first person to reach the door should open it and hold it for all the others.
But to hold it for only one person in a group is simply rude, no matter who does it.
