Latest news with #Mannersmith
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Yahoo
A Definitive Guide To Airplane Seat Etiquette
Perhaps one of the biggest pains of air travel is the part where you have to sit for hours in a tight, cramped seat. Over the years, there have been debates about the ethics of reclining your seat, sharing your armrests and other aspects of airplane etiquette. And people are divided when it comes to the question of how to use certain features ― or whether you should abstain entirely. So what is the right way to approach these in-flight considerations? Below, five etiquette experts share the rules and general guidelines they follow as air travelers. 'Whether to recline your seat is a matter of polite awareness,' Jodi R.R. Smith, president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting, told HuffPost. 'We want to be able to maximize our comfort without inconveniencing anyone else. This is quite a challenge in the shrinking seats found nowadays on airplanes.' She noted that reclining is the norm for red-eye or long-haul flights, where there's an assumption that passengers will at least attempt to sleep. But for quick trips of under two hours, it's better to just remain in the upright position. If you want to recline your seat, show common courtesy to the person sitting behind you. Look back and make sure they aren't super tall and already cramped. They could also be juggling a baby on their lap or wearing a knee brace. These would all be reasons to refrain from reclining. If you ultimately decide to do it, at least give a warning. 'It's polite to alert someone behind you before reclining one's seat,' said Nick Leighton, an etiquette expert and co-host of the podcast 'Were You Raised By Wolves?' 'I know I've nearly had my laptop snapped in half on more than one occasion by a seat that rapidly reclined without warning. And when reclining and going back up, it's considerate to do it slowly. It's easy to knock a hot cup of coffee off a tray with a seat that moves quickly.' You might also consider just reclining partly, if possible. 'For those fortunate enough to be seated in first or business class, this is not an issue,' Smith said. 'There is ample room to recline without impacting any other passenger's personal space.' 'The most commonly asked questions still remains 'Who gets the armrest when seated in the middle seat?'' said Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert, the author of 'Modern Etiquette for a Better Life' and founder of the Protocol School of Texas. 'The most obvious answer, and the unspoken rule of protocol, is the person sitting in the most uncomfortable seat ― the middle ― gets the armrests on both sides.' Life etiquette expert Juliet Mitchell, also known as Ms. J, echoed this advice, noting that it's simply about common courtesy and empathy. 'Let's face it, this may not ever be a win-win situation,' she said. 'However, if you are fortunate enough to have the window seat, you can look out on the lovely clouds and monitor the landing. If you get the aisle, you may be able to stretch out a bit, or at the very least, you can get up and stretch without disturbing others. The middle seat person is stuck in the middle. So give the middle person a break and let that person be the decision maker with armrests.' If you're in a row with only two seats, the armrest between them should be shared, as there is no undesirable middle seat in that scenario. 'Now, for a row of four seats, 1–2–3–4, passenger 2 has the armrest between 1 and 2, passenger 3 has the armrest between 3 and 4,' Smith explained. 'The armrest between 2 and 3 is shared.' There are exceptions to the armrest rules, however. 'If you are a tiny human and the person next to you is folding themselves into a yoga pose to fit in the seat, you should share the armrest, even if it is 'yours,'' Smith said. 'Yes, humans are territorial creatures and when a resource is a premium, our thoughts quickly turn to what we can claim. But what separates us from many animals is our ability to empathize and work together. If you do not need space, offer to share.' Try to be mindful of others when it comes to moving seats. 'If the door of the cabin closes and you find yourself seated in the middle seat, next to the aisle seat, and no one is claiming the window seat, move over to give your seatmate and yourself more room,' Gottsman said. 'If someone is next to you and does not move, you can say: 'It looks like we are lucky enough to have a little extra room. Would you like to move across and we can use this seat for our extra magazines and laptops?' It's a subtle way of saying 'please move over.'' Gottsman also offered advice for what to do if someone asks you to swap seats with them. 'If someone asks you to change places with them so they can be closer to their family members, and the seats are equal, take one for the team and do it,' she said. 'If it's not an equal move and you will get stuck in the middle seat, you can say, 'I'm sorry, I am going to have to say no.' They will move along and ask someone else to change seats next.' As previously noted, there really isn't much space between airplane rows these days, so it's not uncommon to feel movement at the back of your seat. Keep this in mind when you're dealing with the seatback pocket in front of you. 'Seat pockets were designed to hold safety information, air sickness bags, and the occasional magazine,' Smith said. 'They are not designed as [a] footrest. Please do not try to hook the backs of your heel into the opening, as this may cause lower back distress to the passenger whose back you are now pressing.' She gave similar advice regarding the tray table. 'It is there for drinks, snacks, and the occasional meal. It was not designed to support your laptop, as a substitute drum set, or a drafting table. Your tray table is to hold lighter items,' Smith said. If you do need to use the tray for your computer or iPad, be considerate of how much motion you create. 'You should not be pounding away on your laptop keys or engaging [in] any ongoing jiggling, bouncing or tapping,' Smith said. 'The tray table is attached to the seat in front of you. Every movement of your tray table causes additional, and usually unwanted, movement of that seat and should be avoided whenever possible.' On the flip side, try to be polite to the passengers behind you if you need to ask them to ease up on their disturbance. 'Avoid glares and sighs when a child starts to cry or accidentally kicks the back of your seat,' Gottsman said. 'If someone kicks the back of your seat consistently, you can turn around and ask if they wouldn't mind being a bit more careful, saying something like 'I know we are in tight quarters, unfortunately I can't seem to move my seat forward' with a smile on your face. They will get the message.' She also urged passengers to speak to the parents, not the child, in these situations. 'In a pleasant but controlled voice, try saying: 'I know it must be hard to keep those little legs still for so many hours. Would you kindly keep an eye out, because I am trying to work/sleep/meditate/watch a movie and keep getting distracted. Thank you so much,'' Gottsman advised. Naturally, there are times during a flight when passengers need to get up to use the bathroom or take a stretch break. Be respectful of your neighbors during these moments. 'Do not climb over someone without their expressed permission,' Smith said. 'Those in the aisle seat should be allowed to rise and enter the aisle so that you can easily access your seat.' Patricia Rossi, a civility expert and author of 'Everyday Etiquette,' urged passengers to minimize time in the bathroom when possible. 'Do your business in the airport,' she said. 'That bathroom on the plane is not a day spa, so don't keep everyone waiting.' And when you do get out of your seat, don't treat the plane like your home ― it's a shared space filled with other people. 'When it comes to airplane etiquette, just because you can do something doesn't mean you necessarily should,' Leighton said. 'Walking around barefoot is certainly something you can do on airplane, but should you?' 'I worked in the airline industry for over 15 years, so I'm no stranger to rude passenger behavior,' Mitchell said. 'Since the advent of COVID-19, rude behavior, in general, has escalated and the airline industry has had to respond to some outlandish behavior to protect the life of passengers and crew alike.' To help promote a peaceful and civil atmosphere, she urged air travelers to pay attention to the little ways they can show respect for their crew and fellow passengers ― whether it's using a polite tone when speaking or cutting down on alcohol intake. 'Airplanes these days are tight, and a bit of consideration can go a long way in making everyone more comfortable,' Smith said. 'Before I board a plane, with all of the annoyance and indignities, I remind myself that I will be in a chair, in the sky, and how much faster it will be than other modes of transportation. A bit of perspective can shift your attitude towards the positive.' The Most Hygienic Way To Pee On A Plane 8 Secrets About Flight Delays You Need To Know Before Your Next Trip The Worst Foods To Eat Before Flying
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The Rudest Things You Can Do At The Beach
Spending a day at the beach can be an absolute blast. Your fellow beachgoers, however, can make it decidedly less enjoyable. 'In general, etiquette is all about being mindful of other people, which certainly includes being mindful of other people at the beach,' Nick Leighton, an etiquette expert and co-host of the 'Were You Raised by Wolves?' podcast, told HuffPost. 'Although you're outside, you are not alone and your behavior can and does affect other people.' To help beach days more enjoyable for yourself and others, HuffPost asked Leighton and other etiquette experts to share some common faux pas they should avoid on the shore. Here are a few rude behaviors to avoid at the beach. 'Find a spot that is at least three paces from other's belongings,' suggested Jodi R.R. Smith, president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. 'The idea here is to give others a bit of personal space. The spacing should allow for beachgoers to walk between your towel and the other towel without kicking up sand on either.' If it's too crowded and you have to be a little bit closer to others, be extra careful as you walk by to avoid kicking up sand or otherwise disrupting their beach time. 'Don't assume other people want to talk,' said Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert, author of 'Modern Etiquette for a Better Life' and founder of The Protocol School of Texas. 'Watch their body language and if they engage, feel free to continue. If they put their ear buds in, it's a sign they want to be left alone.' Be mindful of the people behind you as you set up your area as well. 'Many beachgoers like to bring all the comforts of home,' Smith said. 'This is fine so long as it does not prohibit others from enjoying the sights. Your umbrella or tent should not inhibit other people's ability to view the water.' Continue to be mindful of the people around you if you decide to smoke at the beach as well. That includes paying attention to where you smoke and what you do when you're finished. 'If you are at a beach that still allows smoking and you want to light up, you will need to head way down the beach,' Smith said. 'Do be sure to dispose of your butts appropriately. It can be quite dangerous for birds, dogs and children to ingest cigarette butts they have found 'buried' in the sand.' Of course, every beach is different, but as a general rule, it's best to avoid feeding birds and other animals along the shore, as this can impact the local ecosystem. Take care not to disrupt them in other ways as well. 'Beaches allow us to connect with nature ― fish, snails and other living things,' Smith said. 'While it is fun to pretend that starfish is your pet, it needs to be returned to the water before you go home.' 'It's rude to shake your towel or sandy clothing near others or toward the direction of the wind,' said etiquette expert Juliet Mitchell, also known as Ms. J. 'Sand in your mouth, in your eyes and on your body doesn't sit well with others.' Smith echoed this rule ― recommending a 'gather, then shake' approach to the conclusion of your beach day. 'Walk away from the people before shaking any of your blankets and towels that have collected sand,' she said. 'The windier it is, the further you need to go. This does make packing up a two-step process, but waving sand in people's eyes is not a good way to end a great day.' 'For any games, find a clear area away from other people,' Leighton advised. 'Frisbees going overhead can make some people nervous.' In the interest of respecting people's space, establish some distance between your activities and other beachgoers ― both to avoid balls and other items whizzing by and for sand purposes. 'Set up your volleyball net away from other people,' Gottsman urged. 'Same goes for playing games in the sand that involve kicking up sand.' Another reason to set up your game far from others, cutting down on disruptive noise. Many people go to the beach for peace and relaxation. 'Things like music and loud cellphone conversations easily travel beyond the boundaries of your blanket and affect other people, so be mindful of what's escaping your bubble,' Leighton said. Pay attention to the volume and content of your conversations with your group as well. 'Watch your language, especially around children,' Mitchell advised. 'Be respectful, be considerate and be civil. No profanity and no fighting.' There's no excuse for leaving your beach area in a worse state than you found it. Littering is not just rude (and illegal), it's dangerous. 'Please do not litter, especially purposely, and clean up your area before you leave,' Mitchell urged. Both public and private beaches have listed rules and guidelines, and it's important to heed them. 'Follow the signs that act as warnings for your safety and the safety of others,' Gottsman said. Familiarize yourself with different flags and what they mean. Don't venture beyond the permitted limits. 'Boundaries are set for a reason,' Mitchell said. 'Stay within the 'swim boundaries' or other boundaries that could cause harm to yourself or others.' And don't just adhere to the explicitly written rules. 'All etiquette is local and it's important to learn and follow the local customs,' Leighton said. 'Every beach has its own.' The Rudest Things You Can Do At The Airport The Rudest Things You Can Do At The Dog Park The Rudest Things You Can Do On A Plane
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The Rudest Things You Can Do While Parking
While driving can be a convenient and even fun activity, most people would agree that parking is decidedly not. 'There are times when parking can be a very stressful task, especially when you are attempting to find the nearest spot to the front door,' Jackie Vernon-Thompson, the founder of From the Inside-Out School of Etiquette, told HuffPost. 'Folks tend to become very agitated and rude.' Still, it's important to be mindful and considerate of others as you look for a space in the parking lot, garage or on the street. 'Parking isn't just about physically moving your car into a space,' said Nick Leighton, an etiquette expert and co-host of the 'Were You Raised by Wolves?' podcast. 'It's all about respecting those around you and requires consideration, patience, fairness and graciousness.' To help get where you need to go without unnecessary stress, HuffPost asked Vernon-Thompson, Leighton and other etiquette experts to share common rude behaviors people should avoid while parking. 'Obviously, the number one rule of parking is to never 'Fried Green Tomatoes' a parking spot,' said Jodi R.R. Smith, the president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. 'When you see another car waiting for a spot another car is exiting, do not take advantage of the way the car turns to sneak into the newly opened spot first.' Finding a parking spot can be time-consuming and frustrating, but don't resort to darting in and stealing someone else's spot. 'Theft is always rude,' Leighton said. 'If someone is patiently waiting, turn signal on, and it's pretty obvious they were there first, that's indeed their spot.' 'It is extremely rude when you park in a way that takes up two parking spaces,' Vernon-Thompson said. 'Whether it was by intent or by accident, it is crucial for drivers to consider their fellow drivers.' It's particularly rude to do this in a crowded parking lot or garage with lots of people looking for a spot. And no, you cannot justify your decision by saying your car is so large or expensive, it needs the buffer room. 'If you can afford a fancy car, you can afford to have it fixed if there is a ding,' Smith said. 'Or, if you are that worried, only take it out for Sunday drives and avoid parking altogether. Or park in the spots farthest away.' 'Don't stalk or tailgate,' Leighton said. 'Closely following cars or people through a lot to see where they parked to get their space can definitely make people feel uncomfortable. Give people appropriate space.' Of course, it's normal to go toward the area where a departing patron is walking, but be mindful of how close you get. Give them ample time to get settled and exit as well. 'Another rude act of some drivers is when they are waiting for a parking space and continually blow [their horn at] the person who is preparing to back out of that space,' Vernon-Thompson said. 'Be patient. They must get situated, fasten their seat belt, and ensure there is no obstruction in the rear before reversing. Safety and caution are always needed when preparing to reverse. Therefore, your patience is needed, or simply move to the next available parking spot.' As with other areas of etiquette, you should keep the golden rule in mind and treat others the way you'd want to be treated while parking. This extends to the way you treat other people's cars. 'Not being mindful of your doors when opening is a rude behavior,' said Mariah Grumet Humbert, the founder of Old Soul Etiquette. The space between cars can be tight, so you want to avoid roughly and carelessly swinging your car door open as you exit. You don't want to accidentally dent your neighbor's vehicle. You don't need to rush out of every parking space, but if you're leaving a busy establishment at peak hours, try to be considerate of those who are having trouble finding a spot. 'Avoid sitting in your car for a long time when you can see someone is waiting for your spot,' Humbert said. 'You do not want to park in a spot that is reserved for a certain group of people who need it ― such as a handicap spot, one for expecting mothers or a curbside pickup space,' Humbert said. Even if the lot or garage is mostly empty, you don't know if someone from that group might arrive after you. Plus, this behavior can actually be illegal. 'Oftentimes I notice a vehicle sitting in a handicap parking space with no sign hanging from their mirror,' Vernon-Thompson said. 'If you are not legally authorized to park there, refrain from parking in handicap spots. This is in consideration for those who truly are handicapped and need that space. Be respectful and considerate.' 'You do not want to block someone in or cause a safety hazard by blocking a fire lane or handicap ramp,' Humbert said. Some parking areas, particularly temporary ones for events, don't have clearly designated spaces, so just use your common sense. 'It is extremely rude when you block a parking space, entrance or exit with your vehicle,' Vernon-Thompson said. 'When a driver does that, it is clear they care only about themselves and don't give a hoot about anyone else. This, without a doubt, can be the most inconsiderate and selfish act of a driver.' If you're just dropping someone off, don't linger right in front of the establishment or decide to stay and park in a nondesignated parking area. 'Double parking? If you must, keep it quick,' Leighton said. 'Get in and get out ASAP.' 'Please, please, please park within the lines,' Smith said. 'Just one car being too far over will throw off the entire row. If you are having a hard time staying within the lines, then park in the farthest corner possible.' Consider whether your vehicle is meant for a certain parking spot. 'If your car is clearly not 'compact,' don't try to squeeze into one of those spaces,' Leighton said. 'For big city snowstorms, follow the parking regulations and the local customs,' Smith advised. Avoid obstructing snow plows or parking on designated emergency routes. 'For some cities, after really big storms, the person who cleared out the spot lays claim to it for 24 hours,' Smith added. The Rudest Things You Can Do While You're Driving The Rudest Things You Can Do While Hosting Overnight Guests Do You Have A 'Gate Lice' Problem? Here's How To Tell.
