We live in a crowded country where we should take others into account and show tolerance. Most of us also have good intentions, but social behavior is often more difficult than we think, because before you know it you fall into a typical pitfall that can really bother someone else. This way it is clear to everyone that we have to keep the door open for someone who comes right behind us. But those same people sometimes don’t understand that taking your thick winter coat into a concert hall or theater ruins the atmosphere. Since a person is never too old to learn, here are some common annoying habits that we are all guilty of from time to time.
Pitfalls in terms of manners
Because we would like to appear as civilized people who know how things should be done, and certainly do not want any chatter and gibberish laughter behind our backs, below, in no particular order, are a number of things that can rightly cause annoyance to others. Inappropriate behavior that we must try to prevent, so that those around us do not have to doubt our good upbringing.
On public transport
The most common annoyances of fellow passengers on a bus, tram or train:
- Nothing is more annoying than travelers resting their legs, complete with dirty shoes, on the couch/chair opposite them. First put a newspaper under it or take off the shoes.
- Having to ask if he/she wants to take that bag from the free seat next to him so that you can also sit on that busy train or tram.
- Small children occupy a seat in the presence of their parents, while those with walking difficulties have to remain standing.
Sanitary use by others
When you visit someone you know, it plays an even greater role than in public situations. There is nothing so nasty for the hostess or host to hear from others:
- To be allowed to clean up the skid marks in the toilet, or the urine drops on the floor or the toilet seat.
- To be allowed to remove hair in the bathroom (floor shower or bath) after a visitor has washed.
- Having to remove toilet paper from the bowl that has been used in too large quantities, causing clogging.
Funeral or condolence
Long queues can sometimes arise during condolences. The fact that the line is long and we are far out of sight of the persons to whom we are about to express our condolences does not absolve us of the obligation to maintain an appropriate facial expression. A laugh, giggle or pleasant talk is downright objectionable and annoying to others, even if the deceased person was not a direct relation of ours.
Nightlife
When we visit somewhere, we always take off our coat before entering the room. And that also applies when we enter the theater or concert hall. Not leaving your winter coat at the cloakroom is not in accordance with etiquette. It bothers those in smart clothes that they have to look at people who place their thick winter coat on their lap or hang it on their backrest. It detracts from the festive atmosphere and the enjoyment of the performance to have to look at other people’s clumsy coats, instead of enjoying the beautiful, luxurious red hall decoration.
Vent your heart out
From time to time, everyone needs to vent to an acquaintance, a neighbor, a friend, etc. If you notice that someone has a problem and needs to let off steam, give him/her the opportunity to do so, and don’t take that person’s word about it. Listening with understanding is the only thing that matters and helps that person. So the last thing we should be doing is venting about our own problems. This can be done again next time when it is your turn to put a problem aside and hope that someone else will listen attentively. If you are unable to vent in your environment, you can always call the telephone helpline De Luisterlijn for an anonymous conversation.
Paper here
A major annoyance for many is the litter that is created because others leave their rubbish on the street without any decency. When it comes to dog feces, things have already changed for the better. Now you have to teach (your children) that you must properly throw a can or empty bottle in the trash can.
Noise disturbance
No one needs unnecessary noise from others. Not only because of the loud noise itself, but also because it means that we apparently don’t care about others. That is why it is important to ask our neighbors for understanding that we have to do the job at an unusual time, and that testing out the new audio set will take a few days to complete.
It could be worse
Granted, these are all relatively minor offenses that pale in comparison to all the real misery in this world. However, remember that many drops can also fill a bucket that may eventually overflow.