Greetings, Miss Manners I frequently use the underground system of tunnels to escape the heat between appointments because I live in downtown Houston. The majority of the time, I observe that people abide by the usual traffic laws, such as walking on the right side.
But occasionally, I spot groups of businesspeople strolling side by side, perhaps about to visit the Wizard of Oz. It reminds me of youngsters stumbling down a school corridor. A collision was unavoidable due to the way these groupings blocked the passage, and it recently occurred. After clipping my shoulder, a woman yelled, “Excuse me!” Are you not able to perceive that we are walking here?
As though I were to blame for just being in their universe, her entire gang turned to stare at me. I said, “The tunnels are for everyone,” as I was at a loss for words, and then I left for my next appointment. I heard the woman shout, RUDE! as I was leaving.
What do you think I ought to have said or done in that circumstance?
PERSONAL READER: Regretfully, there was simply no way out.
Despite how alluring it can be, Miss Manners advises you to leave out,… and I must see the Wizard.
Stories by
Judith Martin
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Miss Manners can be reached by email at [email protected], via her website at www.missmanners.com, or by mail at Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
