As the pace of modern life gets faster, manners and etiquette can be forgotten. Without these, the world can feel impersonal and rude. We all have to interact with others in our daily lives. Good manners, including politeness and respect, can go a long way toward making each day more pleasurable experience for everyone.

Here are a few pointers on everyday etiquette:

If others are behind you as you walk through a door, what do you do? Hold the door for at least the person directly behind you. After that, use your judgment. If you can make eye contact with the next person and hand off the door, go ahead. If not, hold the door for the others. Ladies, it’s okay to hold the door for a man. Courtesy goes both ways!

Are the rules for navigating a walkway the same as the ones for the road? Absolutely. Just like driving, you should walk on the right and pass on the left. Also, keep in mind that people shouldn’t walk more than two people wide in crowded areas.

If you’re with someone else, which of you should hold the door for the other? The rule is this: if one of you is in a position of “importance,” the other should get the door. For example, if you’ve asked someone out on a date, you should be getting the door. If you’re meeting with a client, hold the door for that client.

At the checkout, if you have one or two items, is it okay to ask the person in front of you (with a full cart) to let you go first? Yes. Most people won’t mind.

Should you help a handicapped person with a door (or other task)? Ask before you assume that a handicapped person needs assistance. Ask “May I get the door for you?”

If someone else’s cart is blocking a crowded grocery aisle, is it okay to move it out of the way? Yes, if it contains just groceries. But think twice if there’s a purse or baby in the cart.