Shorman:

This topic used to be a closed to debate. Gentlemen should open doors for ladies. The end.

But now this topic brings confusion and fear. So to solve this, guys, open the door for everyone. Yeah, that solution isn’t very nuanced but it’s the best I’ve got.

Also, here’s a few guidelines to help solve a couple awkward situations that might come up:

1. If opening the door will result in you having to hold the door open forever — such as the entrance to a busy restaurant or theater — then I suggest entering through the door and holding it open behind you.
2. If you’re holding the door and someone approaching it will reach the door by the time it were to naturally close if you left it, then hold the door open. Otherwise, go on inside.

Buser:

What’s the deal with the whole opening and holding a door scenario? Some feel a man opening a door for a woman is sexist, but I think it’s simply polite and should apply to both genders.

I see the door opening tango everyday. Sometimes a person holds a door open and you have to jog so he doesn’t have to wait for you. Sometimes there’s two people reaching a door at the same time, standing there trying to decide who should grab for the handle. But the only truly awkward outcome is the one where an inconsiderate person allows a door to slam in your face. How rude!

When entering or leaving buildings, consider holding the door. If someone is nice enough to make such a gesture, by all means, say “thank you.”

— Shorman is a McPherson sophomore in journalism. Buser is a Columbia, Ill., senior in journalism.