DEAR MISS MANNERS: The etiquette amongst theatergoers is neglected, so that the majority perpetrators are probably not even aware of their recklessness.
Theater seats and sight lines were designed with the understanding that patrons sit with their backs against the seat back, and in the event that they lean forward, the view of at the very least one person within the row behind will probably be blocked, making a domino effect that affects multiple rows.
The truly rude will all the time do what they need, but I imagine there may be a big group of perfectly polite but ignorant theatergoers who would welcome some enlightenment.
DEAR READER: You're not flawed whenever you say that blocking one other person's view is inconsiderate. And if it's just the row directly in front of you, an apologetic whisper may help.
But when can we see the show?
Theaters are already putting up signs within the foyer reminding us to have good manners, printing the identical instructions in this system, and announcing them before each performance.
Miss Manners often says that it’s rude to correct one other person's manners. How much worse is it to scold someone who has done nothing flawed – a grown-up who has gone to some trouble within the hope of getting a pleasing evening!
If we proceed to increase the list of possible theatrical crimes, she fears that by the tip of the performance the babysitter is not going to only have gone home, but may even have graduated.
DEAR MRS MANNERS: I’m cautious due to COVID and still wear a mask in some situations.
I gave someone a ride who shouldn’t be vaccinated, doesn’t wear a mask, or practices social distancing. For those reasons, and since it was a small, enclosed space, I wore a mask while she was in my automobile.
She said, “Oh man, you don't have to wear a mask.” She acted like I used to be ridiculous and like she was offended.
I told her it wasn't personal – that I’d do the identical thing to anyone under the identical circumstances. I don't make comments about others who behave in a different way than I do.
Was I rude? Should I even have explained or apologized to people beforehand or in such situations?
Miss Manners is equally confident, adding that they shouldn’t be bullied either. She is aware that, given the seriousness of the difficulty, some will disagree – although she adds that you just usually are not obliged to take an individual with you in the event that they behave in a way that you are feeling is a threat to your individual safety.
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