1.) At the Movies- I assume everyone knows this one, but I'll explain it anyway. If two guys go to a movie they must leave a seat inbetween them unless the theater is filled to capacity. Only when the number of guys reaches 5 is it acceptable to sit in consecutive seats.
2.) All that and a bag of chips (true or false Stephen Colbert tried to trademark this phrase last week?)- A few years back Browny called me after he had the following encounter. He was on the couch eating a large bag of chips while watching a movie with 1-2 other people. He said that asked the others if they wanted any chips and they both said no. After he polished off the chips (I assume the bag was already opened before he began eating them because Browny is a skinny guy), he commented on how good the chips were as he threw out the bag. At this point, one of the other people watching the movie said something to the effect of, "Yeah, thanks for offering," in a very sarcastic tone. Now after this episode Browny was shocked at this vitriolic response and wanted to know if he had done his due diligence, so he consulted me. Quite frankly, I told him that although this person's reaction was a bit extreme, he was in fact at fault. When it comes to being offered food, most polite people initially decline even if they really want to accept. After the second offer their true intentions normally reveal themselves.
3.) Door Holders-
Browny once told me that he followed some poor girl all the way across campus one day and she held 6 different doors open for him during the trek. He told me that he said "thank you" everytime, but wanted to know what the proper protocal was. At first I told him that the obvious answer is that the first and last door necessitates a "thank you." He quickly retorted in saying that he never knew what door was going to be the last one so he just kept saying "thank you" everytime. Our final verdict was that if you say "thank you" after the first door a simple nod of the head will suffice for each corresponding door. Although, if it becomes clear that a door will be the last in a series of doors a verbal "thank you again" is not necessary, but strongly recommended.
4.) The Soda Fountain-
a.) During one of our many Spicy Chicken Wednesday meals at Wendy's I had finished my Dr. Pepper, but I was still thirsty. Normally I would have just gotten up and refilled my drink, but the soda fountain in the restaurant was behind the counter. Browny enlightened me and told me that it's more than acceptable to walk up to the counter (and cut the line even) to ask for a refill.
b.) Last week, while at the soda fountain the person behind Browny in line abruptly placed their cup directly next to his and began filling up the soda of their choice. Browny texted me shortly after to confirm what the proper procedure in an instance like this is. Of course, his instincts were correct. According to the unwritten code of social behavior this sort of behavior is generally frowned upon. Proper protocal is to wait for the person in front of you to finish filling up their cup and walk away before you approach the fountain. When time is an issue it is acceptable to simultaneously fill up your cup only if your soda of choice is on the opposite side of the ice feeder.
Now there are countless other examples (and when I say countless I mean 3-4) where Browny and I have discussed proper etiquette in everyday social situations, but my memory isn't what it once was. Bottom line, I fancy myself a highly qualified arbiter in instances such as these, so feel free to check with me if you are ever in such a situation.
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