Different people have different ideas of what behavior is acceptable,tasteful and “normal” when wandering about in public places,that’s why there have to be social rules of etiquette regarding behavior in public.And since there are so many different ideas of what is right and wrong,guidelines or general rules have evolved so as to allow for getting along and coexisting peacefully in a mixed world of differing ideas.But unfortunately,the downside to guidelines and/or rules is that there will always be someone angry or upset either because they are disturbed by the words or actions of others,or because they feel they should have the right to say or do as they wish in public.That’s where the following list of five rules of etiquette on how to behave in public comes in.The rules below follow common sense,i.e.do unto others as you would have them do unto you.Or,perhaps more aptly,try not to bother others and perhaps they won’t bother you.
■General
When in public,the“general” rule is try to behave in ways that most would construe as sympathetic towards the feeling of others.Pretty simple really,but quite often ignored.
■Noise
When in public,try to remember that the others might not be as enthusiastic as you are with the noise you are generating,such as arguing or yelling,speaking loudly or laughing over exuberantly,playing music or talking on your cell phone.It is true that we all have the right to do these things,but it doesn’t mean that you also have the right to ignore the peace of others.Any action disturbing the ambience of a particular public place would generally be considered outside what is right thing to do.So,try to lower down your voice and stop belly laughing all the time at movies.Do not make any argument in the front yard.These are common sense that most of us can recognize when others are doing it.
■Odors
People are sensitive to odors.Odors can change mood and cause physical reactions in some people.So,try to keep your odors to yourself when in public,and this includes body odors,perfumes and colognes.Also consider the smell of cigarette smoke and how unpleasant some may find it.Finally,do not forget the smell of the food you may cook or eat.Not everyone has the same preferences and interrupting someone’s peaceful enjoyment of being in public with your adiaphorous choices,may be causing discomfort.