Tag: public behavior

Rudeness on a Shirt

*I apologize ahead of time for the allusions to curse words in this post*

As I have stated in an older post, mail time is a favorite event in the course of the day. Mixed in with the usual correspondence today was a catalog. On its cover a large banner proclaimed “MIX AND MATCH RED BOX SPECIAL Tees! But 2 or more for $18 each” Next to this was a photo showing just a few of the 96 different varieties of T-shirts available. One of the T-shirts in the sample photo had emblazoned across the front “I would like to thank my middle finger for always sticking up for me when I need it.”

Some other statements that you, too, can make with your clothing for the low price of $18 included:

  1. Friday is my second favorite F word.
  2. I’m up, if you’re expecting bright-eyed and bushy-tailed go catch a fr&#$ing squirrel.
  3. And yet despite the look on my face you’re still talking.
  4.  I turn beer into pee. What’s your super power?

I could list more, but I won’t. I am sure most people see these as being jokes and funny, simply novelty items to stick in a drawer and never wear. But let’s hope that  impressionable people don’t think that it is perfectly fine to go around offending people. By all means, in the privacy of one’s own home these are not offensive. BUT! By their very design they are made to shock and offend and I cannot help but be dismayed to see these things for sale.

Best Clothing Wishes,

The Lady Hooper-Brackett

Why The Approach Was Wrong

Here is a follow up to the last scenario as I was asked about my concerns about the way Mr. Old High School Crush had approached the seeker of advice. I received two emails asking me to please follow up. Here are my thoughts, for your eager consumption.

I took exception to:

  1.  Him staring at someone across the room repeatedly and so conspicuously that they noticed.
  2. Him approaching the table and asking the lady if she recognized him. Why not say, “Hello, I am Mr. SoAndSo, I believe we went to high school together and wanted to say hello.” Doesn’t that sound better than “Don’t you recognize me?” and putting the innocent party on the spot?
  3. Him standing over a seated person. If an empty chair was at the table, he would have done well to ask permission to be seated. By remaining standing, he called attention to himself and the table.
  4. Him revealing a lady’s age in public by announcing to all gathered what year she graduated from high school. (Oh, the horror!)

Am I being nitpicky in this situation? I don’t believe so. Certainly, having a bit more polish would have been more of a credit to this man. And if he remembered the basic tenets of Putting Others At Ease and Never Calling Attention To Oneself he would have come out smelling like a rose! However, I suppose in his enthusiasm for seeing his old school chum, he forgot and according to the letter, no harm was done. In this case, I will give him the benefit of the doubt. After all, ignoring innocent social flubs should be part of our own code of etiquette.

Best Mannerly Wishes,

The Lady Hooper-Brackett