Iowans Are Really the Best at Doing This Common Gesture
There is no study here or deep scientific evidence. There's not a website for me to the source to show you where I got this information in this article. Just real-life experience.
The common gesture that I see daily in Iowa is one that, I guess, is becoming less and less common elsewhere. This common gesture requires very little effort, time, or energy. But, it goes a long way.
The gesture I'm talking about is an American pastime like baseball...
Opening, and holding the door in a public venue for the person or persons behind you. Seems so easy, right? Like we (guys) are still almost taught to hold the door open for a lady.
I was reminded of how this simple gesture can go a long way when yesterday I held the door open for someone at Casey's. While she was about half my age and certainly able-bodied enough, I could tell she appreciated it. As I was leaving, she happened to be in front of me and, returned the favor. Pretty cool.
For most of us, regardless of gender, it has become ingrained that you just hold a door for whoever is behind you. Yes, even if it's heading into a busy restaurant, and that might mean the couple in front of you gets a table first.
But why is it that it seems Iowans are more likely to partake in this simple gesture than say, Florida or Texas? Again, with no science to back me up, I simply asked my radio buddies in a couple of other states.
One of my friends in Orlando laughed and said everywhere he goes the doors are automatic (and many here are, too). And my other from New York said he's lucky if the person in front of you walking into a building even notices you're there. In other words, chivalry appears to be on life support where he lives.
It's a simple gesture, but it's also part of Iowa Nice. it doesn't take much to make someone's day better.