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  • May 7, 2008 at 4:14 PM #12673
    dharmagirl
    Participant

    My Pet Peeve du jour: a growing lack of commmon courtesy exhibited by people in public places. I was at the mother of pet peeves earlier – the grocery store – and thought I’d share my rage. Just for fun.

    Feel free to weigh in on shopping malls, the Costco parking lot, festivals and/or airports. We really need to move beyond the SUV topic….

    My Story
    OK, so I was at Stater Bros. earlier and, with only three items, I optimistically jumped behind two people in the “Express” Line, foolishly thinking I’d have time to conclude my produce transaction and get back to my office for a 1 p.m. conference call.

    HA!

    I must be karmically cursed. Almost EVERY time I’m in the Express line, there is usually some major drama brewing ahead that brings my line to a grinding, infuriating halt.

    I think children be taught the basics of Grocery Checkout etiquette in school. It does not appear that this basic life skill is being passed down from generation to generation.

    So, if I was Empress of the Universe, I would include the following items on the Courtesy 101: ‘How to stand in line’ curriculum to be taught to every child:

    1. Payment. When standing in a line – in a store – an exchange of money is often involved, right? Yet, on a regular basis, I see people who look so SURPRISED – even SHOCKED – when the cashier says, “$47.33 please.” They begin digging through a purse or pocket as if paying for groceries is a brand new concept. Have your wallet ready for action. The point of an “express” line is to move quickly.

    Check writers in the express line should shipped off to a penal colony that has no cell towers.

    2. Conversation with the cashier. Should be kept to a pleasant banter – unless you are the ONLY person in the line. If people are behind you in line that is not the time to launch your life story to the unsuspecting cashier.

    There are always those who manage to be blissfully unaware of the palpable tension mounting behind him/her, and the quietly desperate people secretly plotting his/her demise.

    3. Shopper-to-Shopper Communication. Exercise some restraint in making comments about your fellow shoppers’ purchases. Once, a woman noticed one of my items on the conveyor belt. It was of a highly personal nature yet she felt the need to ask, um, probing questions about my experience with this particular product. Before your minds wander too far off, the store in question was Ralph’s and not the Pink Fetish.

    4. Cell phones. When in line, I dont want to hear the gorey details OB/GYN appointments, boyfriend breakups, or work problems. Yet, I’ve heard all of that and MORE. Why cant these conversations wait for a private place?

    Sigh. Thanks for letting me vent. What’s your pet peeve?

    May 7, 2008 at 5:31 PM #200857
    stockstradr
    Participant

    One of my biggest pet peeves?

    When exiting a commercial airliner, those RUDE people in rows behind you, who think that if they stand up microseconds before others and run up several rows, then that gives them the right to exit before people in the rows AHEAD of them.

    Apparently those people FAILED to learn the basic manners the rest of us learned at FIVE years old when the school bus driver explained how to let others in front rows exit first.

    You curious about my solution for those rude early-exiters on the plane?

    I’m 6′ and 220 lbs. First I drop my laptop bag right in the aisle, so they would have to step over it to get past my row. If they step over it..

    I get up and start moving into the aisle where they are standing, blocking my exit. I say “excuse me” and I look them in the eye letting them know if they don’t move, I WILL be standing up top of them in about one second.

    They always move. Damn rude people.

    May 7, 2008 at 5:31 PM #200898
    stockstradr
    Participant

    One of my biggest pet peeves?

    When exiting a commercial airliner, those RUDE people in rows behind you, who think that if they stand up microseconds before others and run up several rows, then that gives them the right to exit before people in the rows AHEAD of them.

    Apparently those people FAILED to learn the basic manners the rest of us learned at FIVE years old when the school bus driver explained how to let others in front rows exit first.

    You curious about my solution for those rude early-exiters on the plane?

    I’m 6′ and 220 lbs. First I drop my laptop bag right in the aisle, so they would have to step over it to get past my row. If they step over it..

    I get up and start moving into the aisle where they are standing, blocking my exit. I say “excuse me” and I look them in the eye letting them know if they don’t move, I WILL be standing up top of them in about one second.

    They always move. Damn rude people.

    May 7, 2008 at 5:31 PM #200927
    stockstradr
    Participant

    One of my biggest pet peeves?

    When exiting a commercial airliner, those RUDE people in rows behind you, who think that if they stand up microseconds before others and run up several rows, then that gives them the right to exit before people in the rows AHEAD of them.

    Apparently those people FAILED to learn the basic manners the rest of us learned at FIVE years old when the school bus driver explained how to let others in front rows exit first.

    You curious about my solution for those rude early-exiters on the plane?

    I’m 6′ and 220 lbs. First I drop my laptop bag right in the aisle, so they would have to step over it to get past my row. If they step over it..

    I get up and start moving into the aisle where they are standing, blocking my exit. I say “excuse me” and I look them in the eye letting them know if they don’t move, I WILL be standing up top of them in about one second.

    They always move. Damn rude people.

    May 7, 2008 at 5:31 PM #200951
    stockstradr
    Participant

    One of my biggest pet peeves?

    When exiting a commercial airliner, those RUDE people in rows behind you, who think that if they stand up microseconds before others and run up several rows, then that gives them the right to exit before people in the rows AHEAD of them.

    Apparently those people FAILED to learn the basic manners the rest of us learned at FIVE years old when the school bus driver explained how to let others in front rows exit first.

    You curious about my solution for those rude early-exiters on the plane?

    I’m 6′ and 220 lbs. First I drop my laptop bag right in the aisle, so they would have to step over it to get past my row. If they step over it..

    I get up and start moving into the aisle where they are standing, blocking my exit. I say “excuse me” and I look them in the eye letting them know if they don’t move, I WILL be standing up top of them in about one second.

    They always move. Damn rude people.

    May 7, 2008 at 5:31 PM #200986
    stockstradr
    Participant

    One of my biggest pet peeves?

    When exiting a commercial airliner, those RUDE people in rows behind you, who think that if they stand up microseconds before others and run up several rows, then that gives them the right to exit before people in the rows AHEAD of them.

    Apparently those people FAILED to learn the basic manners the rest of us learned at FIVE years old when the school bus driver explained how to let others in front rows exit first.

    You curious about my solution for those rude early-exiters on the plane?

    I’m 6′ and 220 lbs. First I drop my laptop bag right in the aisle, so they would have to step over it to get past my row. If they step over it..

    I get up and start moving into the aisle where they are standing, blocking my exit. I say “excuse me” and I look them in the eye letting them know if they don’t move, I WILL be standing up top of them in about one second.

    They always move. Damn rude people.

    May 7, 2008 at 5:35 PM #200862
    jennyo
    Participant

    Regarding cell phone usage, it is even more annoying (and horrifying) when people talk on their cell phones in the shared restrooms at work. While “using” a stall! I cannot believe how often this happens at my office.

    May 7, 2008 at 5:35 PM #200903
    jennyo
    Participant

    Regarding cell phone usage, it is even more annoying (and horrifying) when people talk on their cell phones in the shared restrooms at work. While “using” a stall! I cannot believe how often this happens at my office.

    May 7, 2008 at 5:35 PM #200932
    jennyo
    Participant

    Regarding cell phone usage, it is even more annoying (and horrifying) when people talk on their cell phones in the shared restrooms at work. While “using” a stall! I cannot believe how often this happens at my office.

    May 7, 2008 at 5:35 PM #200957
    jennyo
    Participant

    Regarding cell phone usage, it is even more annoying (and horrifying) when people talk on their cell phones in the shared restrooms at work. While “using” a stall! I cannot believe how often this happens at my office.

    May 7, 2008 at 5:35 PM #200992
    jennyo
    Participant

    Regarding cell phone usage, it is even more annoying (and horrifying) when people talk on their cell phones in the shared restrooms at work. While “using” a stall! I cannot believe how often this happens at my office.

    May 7, 2008 at 5:36 PM #200867
    dharmagirl
    Participant

    I know exactly what you mean. And, do you notice how they wont look you in the eye?

    I’m tall and usually get lucky with upgrades so leg room isnt a problem.

    Whenever I do end up in the back, there is inevitably a person in front of me who pushes their seat all the way back, making it impossible to use my tray for food, laptop, writing. I actually have no problem tapping their shoulder and saying, “excuse me, but can you put your seat up a little? I have no room here.” They usually look surprised, embarassed and then pull up a little.

    I’m also a Screaming Baby Magnet.

    To be fair, I’ve witnessed true acts of real chivalry and kindness on planes. Men usually want to grab my overhead bag for me, or allow me to go first, etc.

    If I dont have a connection, sometimes I just let the plane unload before getting off. It’s less stressful that way.

    My 90 year old father-in-law was here a few months ago, and we rented a wheelchair for him. It turned out to be a good experience on many levels: he was more comfortable and I saw many surprising examples of human kindness. People held doors for us, offered to carry packages, and let us move ahead in lines. It was amazing.

    Hmmm…perhaps we could just christen today “Whiney Wednesday” 🙂

    May 7, 2008 at 5:36 PM #200908
    dharmagirl
    Participant

    I know exactly what you mean. And, do you notice how they wont look you in the eye?

    I’m tall and usually get lucky with upgrades so leg room isnt a problem.

    Whenever I do end up in the back, there is inevitably a person in front of me who pushes their seat all the way back, making it impossible to use my tray for food, laptop, writing. I actually have no problem tapping their shoulder and saying, “excuse me, but can you put your seat up a little? I have no room here.” They usually look surprised, embarassed and then pull up a little.

    I’m also a Screaming Baby Magnet.

    To be fair, I’ve witnessed true acts of real chivalry and kindness on planes. Men usually want to grab my overhead bag for me, or allow me to go first, etc.

    If I dont have a connection, sometimes I just let the plane unload before getting off. It’s less stressful that way.

    My 90 year old father-in-law was here a few months ago, and we rented a wheelchair for him. It turned out to be a good experience on many levels: he was more comfortable and I saw many surprising examples of human kindness. People held doors for us, offered to carry packages, and let us move ahead in lines. It was amazing.

    Hmmm…perhaps we could just christen today “Whiney Wednesday” 🙂

    May 7, 2008 at 5:36 PM #200937
    dharmagirl
    Participant

    I know exactly what you mean. And, do you notice how they wont look you in the eye?

    I’m tall and usually get lucky with upgrades so leg room isnt a problem.

    Whenever I do end up in the back, there is inevitably a person in front of me who pushes their seat all the way back, making it impossible to use my tray for food, laptop, writing. I actually have no problem tapping their shoulder and saying, “excuse me, but can you put your seat up a little? I have no room here.” They usually look surprised, embarassed and then pull up a little.

    I’m also a Screaming Baby Magnet.

    To be fair, I’ve witnessed true acts of real chivalry and kindness on planes. Men usually want to grab my overhead bag for me, or allow me to go first, etc.

    If I dont have a connection, sometimes I just let the plane unload before getting off. It’s less stressful that way.

    My 90 year old father-in-law was here a few months ago, and we rented a wheelchair for him. It turned out to be a good experience on many levels: he was more comfortable and I saw many surprising examples of human kindness. People held doors for us, offered to carry packages, and let us move ahead in lines. It was amazing.

    Hmmm…perhaps we could just christen today “Whiney Wednesday” 🙂

    May 7, 2008 at 5:36 PM #200961
    dharmagirl
    Participant

    I know exactly what you mean. And, do you notice how they wont look you in the eye?

    I’m tall and usually get lucky with upgrades so leg room isnt a problem.

    Whenever I do end up in the back, there is inevitably a person in front of me who pushes their seat all the way back, making it impossible to use my tray for food, laptop, writing. I actually have no problem tapping their shoulder and saying, “excuse me, but can you put your seat up a little? I have no room here.” They usually look surprised, embarassed and then pull up a little.

    I’m also a Screaming Baby Magnet.

    To be fair, I’ve witnessed true acts of real chivalry and kindness on planes. Men usually want to grab my overhead bag for me, or allow me to go first, etc.

    If I dont have a connection, sometimes I just let the plane unload before getting off. It’s less stressful that way.

    My 90 year old father-in-law was here a few months ago, and we rented a wheelchair for him. It turned out to be a good experience on many levels: he was more comfortable and I saw many surprising examples of human kindness. People held doors for us, offered to carry packages, and let us move ahead in lines. It was amazing.

    Hmmm…perhaps we could just christen today “Whiney Wednesday” 🙂

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