August 2008
The Archives
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Elevators
Elevator Etiquette Part 2: Where to Stand
How to Position Yourself in Various Circumstances
When one person is in an elevator, he or she tends to hang out in the middle, or lean up against one of the walls. When two people get onto an elevator, they tend to gravitate to opposite sides naturally. The third person usually causes a triangulation, with one person in the center, the other two on the sides, and so on. There’s a reason for this. People don’t like to butt up against other people they don’t know, or don’t know that well. Every once in a while, you’ll get in the car with one of those people who wants to stand right next to you, even though there’s a whole lot of space on the other side of the car. I’ll never figure that out.
It’s similar to how some people[...]
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Airplanes
Airports and Airplanes Part 1: The Carry-on Debate
08.18.08 | Permalink | 6 CommentsThe Carry-on rules exist for a reason.
Most of us know the drill by now. One carry-on bag, one personal item. Personal items include purses, laptop bags, small gadget bags, etc. The point is that it should be one item that fits into the upper compartment, and one that fits below your seat.
And that’s where the trouble begins. People who get into the plane first tend to think they have a right to stuff both of their items into the upper compartments, thereby screwing everyone else on the plane just so they can have a little [...]
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Restroom
Men’s Room Etiquette Part 2: Regarding Conversation
08.11.08 | Permalink | 2 CommentsDon’t Talk to Strangers
There are two schools of thought when it comes to conversation in men’s rooms. Some men believe this is as good a venue as any to strike up a casual conversation about anything; others, like myself, would rather just get the job done and move on with as little spoken exchange as possible.
One thing is for sure: Men in general don’t go to the rest room with the express intention of having a conversation, no matter how many scenes from Happy Days suggest otherwise.
Because of this, it’s probably best practice not to talk at all, or at least to only speak when necessary, unless you’re absolutely sure[...]
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Driving
Regarding Driving Part 1: Accidents are Not Caused by Inanimate Objects
Cell Phones don’t cause accidents. Poor judgement does.
Recently, the great state of California joined other states who had already banned the hand-held use of cell phones while driving an automobile. This sort of legislation tends to anger me, because it feels like the right thing to do, but it misses the point entirely. It’s a great cheap way for politicians to score points with the electorate without having to hold people responsible for their actions. [...]
