Here are some unwritten rules from experts on how to behave in parking lots, airplanes, stores, etc.:
- Navigating a crowded sidewalk. Walk on the right and pass on the left. And don't walk with more than two people side by side, blocking the whole sidewalk!
- Sitting next to a chatterbox on a flight. Start with nonverbal cues – open a book or put on headphones. If that doesn't work, politely tell them you don't want to chat.
- Claiming a parking spot. Never let a passenger hold a spot by standing in it. It's OK to follow someone from a store to their car – just ask, "Are you leaving?"
- Shopping cart blockage. If someone's cart is blocking the aisle with only groceries in it, feel free to move it. If the shopper has left a purse or baby in the cart, hands off!
- Umbrella etiquette. On a rainy day, when everyone's carrying an umbrella, tall people should always raise their umbrellas to let the shorter people get by.
- Reading over someone's shoulder. Careful you don't lean into someone's personal space. Reading the back of someone's paper is cool – asking them to turn the page isn't!
- Asking someone to hold your place in line. Asking someone to hold your spot in line is cool if it's just you and maybe one other person. Coming back with a whole group of people is not cool.
