Thursday, 22 May 2008

And another thing


Diana Vreeland

Let's face it, if I only posted things that tickled me posts would be few and far between. So here is one on sidewalk etiquette that everyone under 35 seems to be oblivious to. There is no excuse for not knowing and practising this simple display of common courtesy.

1. The man walks on the outside of the pavement. Always.
2. When walking abreast while approaching other people, the man drops behind his companion.

Simple.

11 comments:

Suzy said...

Gee, I wish someone would pay you to come to Asia!

HOBAC said...

Suzy - that's a whole different ball game.

Pigtown*Design said...

Geeeezzzz. nothing's more annoying than a group of tourii walking four abreast at a leisurely pace on some city street.

Easy and Elegant Life said...

It seems that, for some, the simplest things are the most difficult.

I don't remember the last time I saw another person fall into single file at another's approach. And I live in the South.

HOBAC said...

E&EL - what exactly are people teaching their children?

Easy and Elegant Life said...

oh HOBAC, I hesitate to ask as I fear that the answer will be "...teaching..? Isn't that Mrs. E.'s job...?"

The well-mannered children are still among us, but they are a dwindling minority. I've been fortunate to have met several, but even they consider my mannerisms archaic. Like my smile.

HOBAC said...

E&EL - only if that is her only job...}

Lisa & Alfie said...

And did we all forget you are supposed to walk on the right so noone is confused as to the right of way. I am so tired of playing chicken with people on the sidewalk who always want to walk on my side! As if it's a battle of the wills. I have resorted at times to swinging my big bag in a wide, carefree, obnoxious arc so that people scoot to their side rather that have it(the purse) connect with their body. It just makes the whole sidewalk thing so much simpler.
Lisa & Alfie

HOBAC said...

Lisa & Alfie - it is so ingrained I didn't think I needed to mention it. I should have. Love the bag trick!

cotedetexas said...

Thanks for the tip! didn't know this - we don't "walk" anywhere in Houston, ever. It's too hot. We drive.

Unknown said...

I've found that you can steer most people who are semi-awake or better simply through your focus. Without even realizing it, most will notice where your gaze is and will avoid crossing past it. As you approach someone, look to the right of them and they will veer automatically towards your left side as they pass.

I've found it usually works except for the totally oblivious (i.e.: slow-moving tourists, teenagers, etc.).