The really impolite will all the time do as they like, however I consider there’s a giant group of completely well mannered, however unaware, theatergoers who would welcome enlightenment.
You aren’t unsuitable about its being thoughtless to dam one other individual’s view, and an apologetic whisper would possibly assist if it’s only the row immediately in entrance of you. However when can we get to see the present? Theaters already submit indicators within the foyer telling us to thoughts our manners, print the identical directions in this system, and announce them earlier than each efficiency.
Miss Manners typically says that it’s impolite to appropriate one other individual’s manners. How a lot worse to scold somebody who has not but achieved something unsuitable — an grownup, in actual fact, who has gone to some hassle within the hopes of having fun with a night out! If we hold including to the record of potential theater crimes, she fears that the babysitter won’t merely have gone house, however may have graduated from school by the point the present is over.
Expensive Miss Manners: I’m cautious about covid and nonetheless put on a masks in some settings. I gave a experience to somebody who doesn’t vaccinate, put on a masks or follow social distancing. Attributable to these components, and the truth that it was a small, enclosed house, I wore a masks whereas she was in my automotive.
She stated, “Oh, geez, you don’t have to put on a masks.” She acted as if I used to be being ridiculous and in addition as if she was offended. I informed her it was not private — that I might do the identical with anybody below the identical circumstances. I don’t make feedback to others who behave otherwise than I do.
Was I impolite? Ought to I be explaining or apologizing to individuals both beforehand or on the time in such conditions?
No, you shouldn’t apologize to people who find themselves bullying you — if you are in the course of doing them a favor. Miss Manners is equally assured when she provides that neither do you have to bully them in return. She realizes that, given the seriousness of the subject, some will disagree — even when she provides that nothing requires you to offer a experience to an individual performing in a means that you simply really feel endangers your personal security.
New Miss Manners columns are posted Monday by means of Saturday on washingtonpost.com/advice. You’ll be able to ship inquiries to Miss Manners at her web site, missmanners.com. It’s also possible to observe her @RealMissManners.
