I have problems so I don’t need manners
The following encounter at the mall is, unfortunately, exemplary of public mall etiquette at the holidays – all the more when immersed in gadget chatter. I had quickly met my sons at the mall this morning while they were pondering a gift for their stepmom. As we stood looking at the item, a woman talking on her cellphone proceeded to push past each one of us, making shoulder contact, without so much as an apology or making eye contact. How do you feel about the following? Do you believe that you simply cut the person slack?
Me: Excuse me works really well …
Woman (clearly stressed and raising her voice): Well, I have a sick daughter and I thought it might be her ….
Me: I’m sorry you have personal problems, but manners still help.
Woman (yelling, storming off and still on her phone): Merry Christmas!
I’ve had very stressful times in my life, including when I was on pins and needles as I expected my mom to be passing away, or waiting to find out if my ex-wife would get custody and move my kids across the country. I never have felt that having problems dismissed you from courtesy or a simple excuse me.
Merry Christmas, indeed.
December 23rd, 2008 at 12:41 pm
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