Etiquette oddities

Normally, standard etiquette dictates that people exiting a space are granted the right of way. You let people off the elevator, or coming out of a restaurant first. It makes sense logically, as you’re making room for yourself by letting them out, but I’ve noticed one distinct contradiction.

Subway entrance gates while the train is parked in the station with the doors open. It’s best to step aside and let the people scrambling to get onto the train before the doors close and the train leaves go first.

I try to do it for them. I’d like to think they’d do it for me.