ETIQUETTE

MOTOLANI

Sitting in the cab that sunny Sunday afternoon, I cannot remember if I was angry before boarding the cab or maybe my anger came after. I only knew I was just so irritated. I sat in the back seat of the cab with two other male adults, the one who sat beside me sat in such a very indecent, annoying manner that I had to squeeze myself. I know, I should have talked but my anger was eating me up so bad that if I had talked, it might have been terrible. The guy sat with his legs very wide apart, making me inconvenient.

This got me thinking, every etiquette places special focus on females only (or maybe the society makes these etiquettes applicable to females alone). Etiquette, according to the mobile Oxford Dictionary are the forms require by good breeding, or prescribed by authority to be observed in social or official life. Etiquette is not just about which fork to use. It is showing respect for yourself and everyone else in your little corner of the planet. In a world where rudeness often reigns, why not stand out for being polite and thoughtful? There are general rules of etiquette that work all the time, while there are others that are specific to each situation. It is important to know the basics of good manners, regardless of where you go. There are more bad manners and social errors than ever, so it is easy to be confused about what is socially acceptable. Many of the right behaviours people once considered common sense have got lost in the swirling wind of bad advice, outdated manners or rules, and social media that makes it too easy to slip up and be rude.

‘Sit properly’. ‘Have proper hygiene.’ ‘Dress well.’ ‘Close your mouth while yawning’. These should not only be applicable to women. Nothing stops us from teaching our boys to sit well in public, especially in a public transport. Men are actually as human as women are and shouldn’t be excluded from certain etiquettes. No one corrects a guy for dragging his feet when walking, but they shout when a woman does same. This is more like gender discrimination. There are no special etiquettes for men or women. If a lady is expected to sit well, a guy too should sit appropriately. If a lady is told to walk in a graceful manner, nothing stops a guy from doing same. If you cannot shout at a guy for picking his nose in public, then do not shout at the lady for lacking manners.

Etiquettes and good manners should be possessed by everyone, irrespective of gender. So, next time you see a male sitting in a way you think a female should not sit, correct him as you would a lady who does same.