As I’ve mentioned many times before, I’m not very interested in what people do in their own homes. Certain rules of etiquette apply, of course, when you have guests over, or you are a guest in someone else’s private home. But when you’re home alone, I say do whatever you like, as long as it doesn’t interrupt your neighbors’ pursuit of happiness.

Public spaces, however, are a totally different story. This category of articles will discuss the “rules” for public space interaction. A sort of general topic area for things that don’t fit into any of my other categories.

Articles in this series:

Don’t make me walk between you

I understand that “stop and chats” often occur spontaneously throughout the day. You bump into someone and have a brief conversation wherever you happen to be. It’s a very natural tendency, especially when two people are walking in opposite directions, to stop in their tracks, no matter where that is. But try to be aware of your physical surroundings when this occurs. You may be blocking other people’s passage.

Far too often, people decide to stop and chat right in a doorway, in a narrow hallway, when standing in front of the coffee machine, etc. This forces other people who need to get by, to use equipment, etc. to push past you, or move you out of their way.

Don’t put others in this position. Instead, next time you’re stopping for a chat, try to move the conversation to a less obstructive place.