Everyone knows things like "don't put your elbows on the table" (which is perhaps redundant these days as tables tend to be sturdy) but we don't seem to have updated this stuff as a society, it seems to need nudging or codification - like one of the few modern norms I could think of is stand on the right of escalators, that's specifically signposted at TFL stations but Londoners seem to do it on some other escalators too, it's not necessarily widespread outside of London though.
I've heard people say we need classes at schools to cover basics like mortgages, credit cards etc.. I wonder if they could squeeze some basics on making day-to-day modern life/in-person interactions easier for everyone, too (and indeed lessons for new arrivals):
Playing music, games or even short videos on mobile phones (especially when on public transport) - people need to be told to turn the volume down or put in headphones. I don't know if this is a phone addiction thing or a hangover from lockdown but it's rampant in London now.
Looking at mobiles when crossing the road - we're taught to look both ways when crossing but some people go through the motions of doing that then bimble across staring at their screen and with headphones still in - needs an idiots guide to say turn volume down/off and stop looking at screen for a moment.
Self-service checkout use - just open a bag first and put everything in it as you scan, it's completely obvious but so many people seem to scan stuff then they're done and they need to get a bag and put it all in one at a time faffing about while others queue.
Cash machines - mostly a woman thing but - if there's a queue then get your card ready before it's your turn, don't get to the cash machine and then faff about trying to find your card + when you've got your cash then just move to the side... You don't need to stand in front of the machine blocking the queue while you faff about even more trying to sort your **** out.
Let people exit before entering - automated doors negate the old holding the door open thing, but whether it's a train or a Tesco, there are people who try to enter the space while others are exiting, it should be basic etiquette that people leaving a train, etc, have priority.
Loud mobile phone conversations - self-explanatory.
Vehicles pointlessly idling - delivery drivers and taxis are notorious for this, even when taking breaks - electric vans ASAP please!
Party/social gathering etiquette re: phones/social media posts - people don't necessarily want their homes or pics of kids shared with potentially hundreds of people+ nor do they want every moment to potentially be a social media post too. This one is a bit fuzzy, but there perhaps ought to be some etiquette re: privacy settings for pics of private events (or friends only on stories etc..) and indeed how often to have your phone out taking pics etc. Like, have a group photo perhaps but there are some people obsessed with Instagram who want to take dozens of photos at every party/event and spam their stories etc.. Everyone knows the traditional etiquette stuff like bringing a bottle, thanking your host, don't overstay your welcome etc. but social media stuff, phones out etc. isn't clearly established at all.
Any other gripes re: social or in-person interactions like that?
I've heard people say we need classes at schools to cover basics like mortgages, credit cards etc.. I wonder if they could squeeze some basics on making day-to-day modern life/in-person interactions easier for everyone, too (and indeed lessons for new arrivals):
Playing music, games or even short videos on mobile phones (especially when on public transport) - people need to be told to turn the volume down or put in headphones. I don't know if this is a phone addiction thing or a hangover from lockdown but it's rampant in London now.
Looking at mobiles when crossing the road - we're taught to look both ways when crossing but some people go through the motions of doing that then bimble across staring at their screen and with headphones still in - needs an idiots guide to say turn volume down/off and stop looking at screen for a moment.
Self-service checkout use - just open a bag first and put everything in it as you scan, it's completely obvious but so many people seem to scan stuff then they're done and they need to get a bag and put it all in one at a time faffing about while others queue.
Cash machines - mostly a woman thing but - if there's a queue then get your card ready before it's your turn, don't get to the cash machine and then faff about trying to find your card + when you've got your cash then just move to the side... You don't need to stand in front of the machine blocking the queue while you faff about even more trying to sort your **** out.
Let people exit before entering - automated doors negate the old holding the door open thing, but whether it's a train or a Tesco, there are people who try to enter the space while others are exiting, it should be basic etiquette that people leaving a train, etc, have priority.
Loud mobile phone conversations - self-explanatory.
Vehicles pointlessly idling - delivery drivers and taxis are notorious for this, even when taking breaks - electric vans ASAP please!
Party/social gathering etiquette re: phones/social media posts - people don't necessarily want their homes or pics of kids shared with potentially hundreds of people+ nor do they want every moment to potentially be a social media post too. This one is a bit fuzzy, but there perhaps ought to be some etiquette re: privacy settings for pics of private events (or friends only on stories etc..) and indeed how often to have your phone out taking pics etc. Like, have a group photo perhaps but there are some people obsessed with Instagram who want to take dozens of photos at every party/event and spam their stories etc.. Everyone knows the traditional etiquette stuff like bringing a bottle, thanking your host, don't overstay your welcome etc. but social media stuff, phones out etc. isn't clearly established at all.
Any other gripes re: social or in-person interactions like that?
![[FnG]magnolia](/styles/overclockers/avatars/9.png){kind=avatar}
. There does seem to be a general "I'm alright jack" attitude (mostly noticeable when driving), but it's appearing elsewhere too. On a related note to those initial points, people talking on speakerphone in public. There is no need and it's even harder to hear compared to when it's next to your head. I don't get why people do it.