Questions tagged [courtesy]
Courtesy is a behavior marked by polished manners or respect for others. Whenever a courteous and respectful act or expression is used or needed.
20
votes
9answers
4k views
Offering to ride along with women when it's dark
When growing up my brother and I where taught that, when it's night, you should offer girls/women to ride along when you are on bike or on foot to prevent unsafe situations. This wasn't saying that ...
8
votes
1answer
554 views
Not sure if have to give up priority seat as not sure if lady is pregnant or just plus sized [closed]
Firstly, please do correct me if it is not right/respectful to use the phrase ‘plus sized’ as I am unsure of how it would be taken as, in other countries/cultures.
Sometimes I face the situation and ...
37
votes
12answers
15k views
How does one respond to statements like “It's all yours”? [closed]
There's a coffee-dispensing machine (similar in concept to a Keurig) in my apartment lobby for use by the tenants. As coffee is a popular morning beverage, occasionally I have to wait behind one or ...
2
votes
0answers
431 views
How to deal with someone who seemingly only asks you loaded/leading questions in casual situations? [closed]
The subject says it all: There is no one specific incident I can summarize, but in general I have had encounters with people who endlessly ask loaded/leading questions and statements that are simply ...
4
votes
2answers
1k views
How and when to best approach a stranger about a “wardrobe malfunction?” [duplicate]
So a “wardrobe malfunction” can basically mean someone’s fly being open or someone’s dress, skirt getting bunched up in a weird way in their underpants.
If I am dealing with friends, acquaintances, ...
27
votes
4answers
9k views
How can I politely tell someone who is ineffectively holding a door open for me, “Thanks, but no thanks.”
The key word here is “ineffectively.”
I have no problem with someone holding a door open for me. They hold it open, I thank them, life goes on.
But something I have noticed recently is that some ...
28
votes
9answers
9k views
Under what circumstances is it okay to not hold a door open?
So, we’ve all had a situation where someone is coming into—our out of—some place, we notice someone coming towards the doorway we are in… At what point is it safe to just let a door close an not hold ...
5
votes
1answer
331 views
How to apologise/thank college for being flexible with accommodation?
I'm going into my 4th year of University. I lived in college-owned accommodation for the first 3 years. I balloted in January for a college-owned room for 4th year, but this summer (June) I signed a ...
-3
votes
2answers
3k views
Should you inform someone their partner is cheating on them? [closed]
Let's say I know someone quite well but have never met their other half. I know he is a regular cheater in their relationship of 6 years but as far as I know, she has no idea.
Should I inform her on ...
1
vote
2answers
575 views
How can I politely make an offer on a used vehicle?
This is the first time I buy a vehicle on my own, so I have no experience in this matter. Today I will be meeting someone who is selling their motorbike. I think he is asking too much for it so I want ...
5
votes
2answers
246 views
Inquiring about a colleague's retirement plans without seeming to be rude?
A colleague is nearing retirement age, and you are curious as to when they will take the step and what they plan to get up to. Your intentions are not self-serving beyond the fact that you will miss ...
33
votes
7answers
7k views
How can I invite a friend but not his girlfriend?
I'm planning on having a birthday party. I'd like to invite a friend of mine, however, nobody in our group likes his girlfriend. Is there a polite way of hinting I don't want her there? Chances are ...
18
votes
2answers
2k views
What do you say to a woman who asks you to dance when you don’t want to?
Unfortunately for me, I am a guy who does not like to dance. I am bad at it (at best). So I try to shy away from circumstances where I would be asked by someone to dance.
But there are times when ...
10
votes
5answers
679 views
Should food containers be returned to the donor?
In the event of bereavements and health emergencies, many people are given meals by friends and more distant relatives. While there is little (or no) question as to whether objects such as casserole ...
17
votes
2answers
1k views
Are there “rules” for vaping etiquette?
In the past, it seemed generally accepted as a matter of courtesy that a smoker should ask "do you mind if I smoke?" This became more and more prescriptive as health concerns increased over the use ...
11
votes
2answers
175 views
Does a greetings card require a return in kind?
Cards are sent, especially at "holiday time" (Christmas, New Years, and Hanukkah), with varying levels of intent based on the level of relationship. While some people send such "seasonal greetings" ...
20
votes
5answers
2k views
When should I offer my seat on public transport?
In the United Kingdom, when is it appropriate to offer your seat to someone on a train or bus? Okay, if someone is in distress by standing through disability or otherwise it seems clear enough. ...
