This town, maybe America as a whole, is in serious need of some sidewalk etiquette training.
Let me set the scene. You’re walking down a sidewalk, not a very busy one in fact. The only people involved are you and the group of 2-4 people coming your way. You, being courteous and mindful of other peoples’ space, are walking on the right side of the sidewalk, much like you drive on the right side of the road. You clearly see the other people coming and want to make it easy for them to pass by you. Sound good so far?
Here’s where the problem is. The other people seem to think that either:
a) They own the sidewalk and can do as they please.
b) Their conversation about how Dave didn’t call Jenny back last night is more important than making room for you to pass.
c) You have your invisible cloak on and they have no idea that you’re coming the other way.
d) They’re just rude and deserve to be that way, so deal with it.
Oh no you didn’t! Listen up people. You had better hope that, male or female, you wore your shirt with extra shoulder padding in it because my shoulder is pretty tough and it’s going to introduce itself to yours. And if that does happen, don’t give me a look of disgust. Instead stop and think about what just transpired. There are other people living in this world of yours and you have to respect their personal space! If you can’t grasp this concept, feel free to move to NYC or start bulking those shoulders up.
Ahhhh. I feel much better.
This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs
