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Chapter 27

WALKING IN FRONT OF OTHER PEOPLE

There are three types of people in the world:

1. People who show up early.

2. People who show up on time.

3. People who show up late.

Unless you are one of the people who shows up early, you are going to have to walk in front of people when you go to a movie, to the theatre, to a ball game, or any other place where people are seated in rows.

Unless there is enough room for you to walk directly to your seat, you will have to walk in front of the people who showed up earlier than you. You can do this one of two ways—either with your rear end in their faces, or facing them.

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This is a no-brainer. People don’t want to look at your rear end. They would rather see your face.

YOU DO

Say, “Excuse me,” as you move down the row—especially if you’re making somebody shift around and make room for you.

YOU DON’T

Say, “I’m sorry,” unless you’ve stepped on somebody’s feet.

Why

You only say, “I’m sorry,” when you have done something wrong. You say, “Excuse me,” when you are merely inconveniencing someone.

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YOU DO

Everything in your power to show up on time.

YOU DON’T

Be the one in your family who causes everyone to be late.

Why

Being late is inconsiderate—not only to your family, but also to all the other people who are going to be interrupted as you step over them on the way to your seat.

A gentleman is careful not to step on the toes or feet of other people as he walks to his seat.

If other people must move down the row where a gentleman is seated, he makes it easier for them by rising from his seat.