Dear Amy: Here’s a typical scenario: I am walking on a trail that is only a few feet wide. Someone is coming toward me. Neither of us is wearing a mask.
I step off the trail to give the other person (and myself) space. The other person walks by without saying anything.
Am I wrong in thinking I should receive a “thank you” for moving aside?
Or, I’m in a market with the aisles marked as one-way and a person with a cart (with or without a mask) is coming in the other direction. I’ll either retreat from the aisle or face the shelves to allow the person to get by.
I passingly wonder if I should remind the person that they are walking the wrong way, but again, a “thank you” would be nice.
I realize that courtesy and etiquette in the age of COVID-19 is a minor issue (and it is a minor issue to me). But I think things would be a little better if we were more courteous with each other (and less political). Am getting too worked up about nothing?
I’d appreciate your thoughts.
— Seeking Too Much Courtesy?
Dear Couresty:
As you know, the virus seems to be spread primarily through aerosolized particles expelled when people speak, cough or sneeze. A silent wave, thumbs up or head nod might be preferable to a verbal “thank you.”
Dear Amy: My wife and I moved to Florida 15 years ago.
We have many friends here and realize that politics and religion are two subjects to avoid.
Unfortunately, given the current state of affairs, a slip-up can happen.
A couple we have known for six years visited for five days during the Super Bowl last winter.
We have enjoyed many moments with this couple, but unfortunately we have not communicated since their visit, when a short political discussion took place.
To go from frequently talking to zero is very confusing and disappointing.
My question is which path should we pursue: My wife thinks we should drop them and move on, as she feels disrespected. I think we should have some closure to our relationship.
— Confused in Florida
Dear Confused: If you have not received an acknowledgment or even a pro-forma “thank you for hosting us” from this couple after you hosted them in your home for five days, then I’m with your wife. However, if you have something YOU want to express to them — then you should go ahead and do so.
If you know you offended someone, then maybe you should apologize, but you have the right to discuss politics and shouldn’t regard it as a “slip up,” just because a guest in your home disagrees with you.
Dear Amy: I loved your answer to “Georgia on my Mind,” a self-professed “Larry David-type” who wants his wife to change her life for him.
Thank you for suggesting that these two live apart for a few weeks. His wife deserves a break!
— A Fan
Dear Fan: My heart went out … to her.
