Seat Saving Considerations

I've been asked about saving rows of seats at a graduation ceremony. Is it acceptable?

I believe one person saving a whole row of seats is not acceptable. It is especially frustrating and inconsiderate when the seat saver’s companions show up just as the event begins. It leaves those who are considerate enough to come early and find a seat very annoyed. Everyone else had made an effort to arrive on time, and yet the savers allow their guests to barely make it.

I see nothing wrong with a person saving a seat on either side of his or her own seat, but any more than that borders on being inconsiderate and possibly rude.

Photo credit: Matt McGee (flickr.com)

The Swine Flu Elbow Bump

I visited Washington, D.C., recently for a national medical conference and was introduced to the "elbow bump."

I went to introduce myself to one of the doctors in attendance and put out my hand for a handshake. He proceeded to offer me his elbow.

“This is what we’re doing now,” he said, encouraging me to bump my elbow to his rather than shake hands in deference to swine flu.

I realize that we don’t want to cause anyone to be sick or to become sick ourselves, but this is not something I will encourage or promote. You will not become sick just by touching another person’s hand. If you are concerned, keep your hands away from your eyes, mouth and nose to avoid germs entering your system, and wash your hands every time you have a chance. If you are sick, stay home.

The connection created by a handshake is important. The bump of an elbow just doesn’t seem like a universal substitute.

Photo credit: ooh.ooh (flickr.com)

Summertime's coming: Is the living easy?

As parents plan for the summer I encourage them to take it as an opportunity for dialog and interaction with their children. Use this time to explore with your kids where they are in life, how certain goals have been met or have changed, and how to use the summer to learn and grow as well as to relax and create their own fun.

Parents who work full-time outside of the home will have to find meaningful and safe activities that accommodate their schedules, but all parents can use the process of summer planning to give their kids the opportunity to think about what they’d like to do or try. All their ideas may not be practical or in their best interest, but they can be open for discussion, consideration and even just dreaming about together.

And as you go through the process, consider the gift of time this summer – time to hang out together, time in which there’s “nothing” to do, time to learn to relax. In our overscheduled, fast-moving world, we could all benefit from learning a little more of that. And if someone disapproves, just tell them you’re advancing their behavioral and social education.

Summertime and good manners never go out of style.