Worth the awkward moment

Dear Amy: I was raised to be helpful and to have good manners. I’m in my mid-20s, and I realize I’m not like other people my age.

When I see someone who may need assistance, I try to offer to help.

A little while back, I saw an elderly man struggling with a heavy door and wanted to approach him.

The problem? It was the door to a public restroom, and I am a woman.

I know that opening the door for him might have been embarrassing to anyone using the facilities -- and to me if I inadvertently saw anyone! Still, I feel horrible for looking the other way.

Amy, what should I have done? I feel as if this was a lose-lose situation, and it really bothers me.

Raised Right

Dear Raised: If you had performed this everyday act of kindness, the whole thing would be over by now and you (and others) would have survived any trauma you might have suffered.

As it is, you walked on while someone else struggled. By doing that, you have inadvertently confirmed the unkind stereotypes about your generation.

Next time don’t hesitate to help.

Send questions to Amy Dickinson by e-mail to askamy@tribune.com.