DEAR MISS MANNERS: What is the proper etiquette when an elevator’s doors are closing and someone is walking towards it?
Are the people inside obligated to press the “open door” button? Is it improper for the person trying to get on the elevator to stick their hand in and stop the door?
I think once the doors are closing, one must wait for the next elevator, and should not expect the passengers to open the doors. And that passengers should be annoyed (as I am) when someone sticks their hand in and delays my trip!
GENTLE READER: Would you allow a regular door to swing closed in someone’s face? Miss Manners trusts not.
Etiquette demands a reasonable effort to accommodate elevator late-comers, which means visibly reaching for the “open door” button. Whether actual contact is made with the button can be judged in relation to the distance of the late-comer from the door and how close the door is to shutting.
Etiquette absolutely prohibits swatting away hands that have been inserted into closing doors -- for reasons of both social comity and safety.