About 15 minutes into this one-sided exchange, I blurted out, “Can we not talk about this? I find this frustrating.” The driver apologized and the rest of the trip was uneventful.
I’m wondering if there’s a gentler way to end these types of conversations – both out of decorum and to avoid upsetting someone and being left by the wayside.
what time is it The political speech of taxi drivers is considered an important indicator of public opinion. Numerous articles on the state of the country are written by pundits based on conversations they had on their way to office.
How instructive this is, the hostess dare not speak. But the current toxic state of political discourse makes casual opinion among strangers unattractive, if not dangerous.
Even stating why you feel this frustration could spark a debate. You just have to say, “I’m afraid I need some quiet time.”
Dear Miss Manners: The woman ahead of me in line got out of the full grocery cart to take her toddler to the bathroom. As the line moved forward, I walked around her cart and put my (few) items on the conveyor belt.
She came back before I checked out and yelled at me for “jumping the line”. To my chagrin, another young housewife, also pushing a fully loaded cart with a toddler in tow, was bagging her belongings ahead of me and chiming in.
Caught in the crossfire, I was overwhelmed (as was the cashier). I finished my deal and left, but I wish I had the calm explanation since she left, and no, I didn’t chime in in her presence.
I feel like the rules of etiquette have been turned upside down. I think I was right not to say anything because that would make things worse. I feel terrible and depressed all day, wondering if this is a harbinger of things to come.
oh no more – Another grocery store battle!
Miss Manners has gotten dozens of these lately. Isn’t it recommended that people eat before shopping so they don’t over buy? Maybe if they weren’t hungry they wouldn’t be barking so much.
Leaving is the best solution to this public disrespect. But if you have to stay to pick up groceries, you can say, “I don’t know how long you’ll be away, and I don’t want to delay the line.”
Dear Miss Manners: When meeting other people in a restaurant, the host will usually ask the first person to arrive if they want to be seated or wait for others to arrive. Is it okay to sit in front of other people? If so, is it appropriate to order drinks or appetizers while waiting?
only if they are It’s really late, and you greet them and say, “I know you don’t want us to wait.”
New Miss Manners column published Monday-Saturday washingtonpost.com/advice. You can send questions to Miss Manners on her website, www.missmanners.com. You can also follow her @RealMissManners.
