Take out those earphones, please. Also, stay off my grass and walk on the driveway
Q. Please tell me if this is rude or not? I have been walking three times a week with one of my long-time girlfriends since we both retired last summer. I’ve enjoyed it up until the last month because she has decided to wear ear phones and listen to music. Gone are the great conversations we used to have while taking our walks. It’s boring for me, that’s for sure. I’ve mentioned that to her a couple of times, but she just laughs. I think she is rude? What is your opinion? Next question: Would I be equally as rude if I stop walking with her and join a gym or Y instead?
A. Yes, I agree your girlfriend is being rude, and inconsiderate, by wearing ear phones and eliminating the conversation. Even though you have hinted to her about your dislike of the situation, I suggest you be more direct with her and express your disappointment regarding the ear phones. Tell her you are considering joining a gym or the Y. If she is not willing to dump the ear phones, by all means, do what is best for you. It does not mean you no longer have her as a friend; you just will not be taking walks together any more.
Q. We recently had a serviceman come to our house to make some changes with our phone and cable lines. I must say I was so very impressed when I saw him get our of his truck, which was parked in front of our house, and go to the driveway and walk to our front door via the sidewalk rather than cutting across the grass. I thanked him for doing that and he said his mother would expect nothing less from him. I can’t tell you how many times people walk across the grass to my front door and leave footprints on my grass to the extent there becomes a visible path there. In the summer, I don’t care as much but in the winter when it is below freezing, the grass blades are permanently bent down when walked on. Would I be considered an eccentric, ill-mannered old lady if I ask people to walk around to the driveway to come to the front door?
A. No, not at all. It is a shame not everyone was raised like the polite service man who came to your house.