Unchivalrous doors

Up until about 6 months ago, I never bothered to hold open doors for ladies or push chairs for them, etc. There were two reasons for this: first of all, I thought it kind-a lame to do that. I mean, if on one hand I say that they are my equals and yet every time I am sitting and a lady is standing, I am supposed to offer her my seat, I see contradiction. I did offer my seat, however, to people who I thought needed it: be it old people or ladies with new-born babies, etc. Also, once in a while, a colleague (friend) would take the bus dead exhausted after her day, and I'd offer her a seat. Usually, after a little persuasion, it felt good to see the relief on their faces when they finally took the seat: after all I thought I could take the stress of standing better. So while I'd hold open doors for anyone who had their hands full (be it a boy or a girl), I used to care very little about doing the same when the other person was not so occupied. The second reason was that I did not really care about what people thought. Or rather, as I should say, what the girls thought. Everyone was a friend, and I treated them equally no matter what. So I didn't give a damn, really.

But then things changed... and I decided to give 'chivalry' a chance. Things came down to such a level that colleagues, 'girl' friends etc began to wonder what was happening. They'd ask, "Oh, thank you, Sudipta... but whats wrong with you? Tumko ho kya gaya hai?" while I'll jump to the doors and hold them open for them. At the same time, I used to get a glance of appreciation from them, a silent smile, and so things appeared to be worth the effort for some time. So while they still remained friends/ colleagues, that little moment of holding a door open would add another smile to the day. Life was good! :)

After some time, I toned this "pro-active chivalry" down to active chivalry. I did not jump at the doors, but took the opportunity if it presented itself. So if a girl and I were walking side-by-side down a corridor and we approach a door, I'd usually take a long step forward, grab the door and pull it in, and then indicate to her to move on with a 'charming' smile :). She'd usually look at my face, smile and say "Thank you" and go on, and I'd say "Sure". Ahh.. life is still good! :)

And now enter the villain: automatic sliding doors! No matter how quickly I reach before the girl, that door 'always' knows that before me and opens up! Also, I cannot proclaim that I used 'the force' to pry the doors open, although a "Khul jaa sim sim" PJ usually works! And then, due to fire exit designs, most doors open outwards. Now, that creates a problem: even if I came with the gal from within the room, I must push the door with one hand and yet leave space to let her pass through it. Lets just say that it doesn't leave a very 'healthy' distance between me and the girl ;) So, despite my best efforts at being chivalrous, there is an organised conspiracy going on amongst all the doors to prove that I am none of that! Damn these unchivalrous doors!