DEAR AMY: Here’s a typical scenario: I am walking on a path that is just a couple of feet large. Somebody is coming towards me. Neither of us is wearing a mask.
I step off the path to give the other person (and myself) area. The other person strolls by without stating anything. Am I incorrect in thinking I should receive a “thank you” for moving aside?
Or, I remain in a market with the aisles marked as one-way and an individual with a cart (with or without a mask) is coming in the other direction. I’ll either retreat from the aisle or face the racks to allow the individual to get by.
I passingly wonder if I must remind the individual that they are strolling the incorrect method, but once again, a “thank you” would be nice.
And then there are masks in basic, the wearing of which appears to be degenerating into a political statement.
I use a mask in public (specifically inside), not because it secures me (most masks offered to me will not prevent air-borne infections from getting through), however due to the fact that it protects other people.
If we were going to be polite to other people, would not all of us use a mask?
I recognize that courtesy and etiquette in the age of COVID-19 is a small concern (and it is a small problem to me). However I think things would be a little better if we were more polite with each other (and less political). Am getting too worked up about absolutely nothing?
I ‘d appreciate your ideas.
Seeking Excessive Courtesy?
DEAR LOOKING FOR: You may take advantage of some perspective. I question if for each instance of disrespect, there might be two or three of people showing so