Keep Right, Pass Left
① Stairs, Escalators, and Moving Walkways
• When it's crowded, try to leave some space between you and the person in front of you.
• Be careful with luggage, backpacks, briefcases, and handbags so they don’t knock anyone around you.
• When you exit, keep moving or step out of the traffic so you don’t cause a log jam or an accident.
② On the Sidewalk
In bustling cities, sidewalk etiquette is all about bobbing and weaving as expertly as possible—which means maneuvering past others without jostling or interrupting their path.
• If you’re with a large group, break up into twos or walk single file.
• If you accidentally brush or bump someone, be sure to say “excuse me.” As for jaywalking, use common sense. Even if it’s not illegal where you are, it’s still dangerous.
③ Echoes of Tradition
• On the street, a man traditionally walks on the curbside of a woman—shielding her from the hazards posed by passing horses and buggies, now cars, splashing through puddles.
On Public Transporation
• Unstrap your backpack and carry it in front of you or stow it.
• Keep any conversation short and quiet. It’s easy to disturb others by shouting over the noise of the train, using foul language, or having conversations of a personal nature.
• Put a wet umbrella under your seat or flat on the floor at your feet.
• Resist the temptation to put your feet on the empty seat opposite you or spread your belongings out over the seat next to you.
② Dealing with rudeness
One true test of good etiquette comes when grace and poise are challenged by inconsiderate behavior.
Responding in kind is just as rude and can risk upping the ante. Give the person the benefit of the doubt: Most people don’t intend to be rude.
That doesn’t mean you have to be a doormat, but before you say anything, size up the situation first: who’s being rude? Is the offender a stranger or acting aggressively? If the answer is yes, you’re better off not responding than risk being a target of rage.
• Watch your tone. If you do choose to say something, keep your voice pleasant and your remarks neutral: “Excuse me, but that’s my shopping cart.” “Would you mind taking off your hat? I can’t see the screen.”
• Don’t correct other people’s children. If there’s a problem, talk to the parent: “I know it’s tough for kids on airplanes, but could you ask your son to stop kicking my seat? Thanks.”
• Take it higher. If your polite request isn’t complied with, take it to a person in authority. For example, if the little boy continues to kick your seat, talk to a flight attendant.
③ And here are some other tips to help you keep your cool:
• Don’t take it personally. Perhaps the offender is having a bad day.
• Pick your battles. Sometimes it’s best to let it go. Take a few breaths and ask yourself, “Is it really worth blowing my stack over this?”
• Laugh it off. Maintaining a friendly demeanor and sense of humor can help. Just chuckle and change the subject.