Etiquette Q&A: Passing Someone

“When I have to pass someone seated in a row of seats, do I face them, or give them my bottom?”

This one is a classic bit of proper etiquette that many have weighed in on in the past. Now forget all of those other schleps, and just read my take on this:

Firstly, let’s see your own copeability in the case we are the seated party. If you are seated near the aisle: stand, step out, and gesture gentlemanly for the party to pass. If not seated near the aisle, think small. Lean back, shift your knees to one side, do not grumble.

Now, we return to the given scenario of you making your way from aisle to seat. The short answer is that you move silently, quickly, and kindly. You also face the person, and never give them yer tuchus.

Here’s Why:

You are not yet to your seat. Therefore, you are not yet to view the stage/screen/podium.
You are never to turn your back to royalty. Shouldn’t we all be treated as royalty?

Thanks, as ever, for the question, and for the reading.

Feel free to please tweet any and all of your etiquette based queries to me @iamkap.

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Kap

Born in Brooklyn New York, Kaplowitz quickly ran away with the circus and somehow landed as a chef in the Chicago and Baltimore areas. He is a published author of poetry and prose, as well as a well seasoned podcaster and radio guy. Among his hobbies Kap counts writing bios of himself in the third person, casino trips, and walking his Dachshund, Ruby Vondella. Please follow him on Twitter @iamkap to be alerted as to his frequent Thrift Store purchases.