> > According to someone in one of my history
> > classes, the act of a man opening a door for a
> > man originated from the Vikings, who
> > apparently would hold the door open for the
> > women to go out of first in case an enemy was
> > waiting outside to bash them on the head.
>
> I'm skeptical. Interesting and unexpected "origins" for current sayings and customs are usually false, and this one sounds more like a story trying to both stop the custom, which is seen as offensive by some, and make it seem like men really suck than something grounded in reality.
>
>
> > -flying"I always thought of it as
> > politeness"cats
>
> It is. Even if it DID start in the way your classmate claims, no one today holds the door open for anyone except for reasons of courtesy, respect, and a polite adherence to tradition.
>
> -Eric "My Viking enemies wish to kill me, so would you like to be the first one in, Marianne?" Sleator
> Mon 8 Oct A.D. 2001

I guess it depends whether you think the girl you're holding the door for could kick your enemies' butts better than you can.

Brunnen-"add me to the list of people who can't believe anyone gets offended by politeness"G