I was raised in an Eastern European country, and etiquette rules there state that it is only appropriate to go to your seat (in a theater or movies) facing people that are already in their seats.
When I came to the US for my college, I noticed that in America it is OK to pass to your seats by turning your back to people. I am wondering, is this considered the right way or there are no strict rules about it? 'Cause sometimes I still do it by facing people (old habits are hard to knock off!), and I wonder whether Americans think it is rude?
2006-12-20 02:05:31 · 16 answers · asked by Kaytee 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
This is an interesting question, and I guess I've never really thought about it....I've passed people facing them, and with my back to them.
I tend to put my back to people more. Generally, in theaters, the floor slopes downhill, and since the majority of people won't stand up to give me room to pass (which, incidentally is annoying top squeeze between knees and the previous row, and I'm very thin!) so I tend to get as close as I can to the row in front of me, and hold the seat back. I will, however ALWAYS look back, make eye contact and say "excuse me" or "I'm sorry" or, if I've already passed them, "thank you."
2006-12-20 02:48:58 · answer #1 · answered by sylvia 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm an American, but I try not to put my butt in people's faces when passing by. However, if I am holding things that might hit the seated people in the face, I will scoot through the seats facing away from the sitters. If someone is passing through, I stand up or hop out of the aisle to let the pass (if I'm near the edge) to help the person pass through with greater ease.
2006-12-20 02:11:29 · answer #2 · answered by Mrs. Pears 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I don't think there's a set rule about it. I usually pass with my back to them because the rows are so close together, I like to hold on to the row of seats in front of me to keep my balance as I go across. That would be very awkward for me to do with my hands behind my back (as would be the case if I were facing the seated people), plus the leaning-back angle of the seats would also encourage me to fall forward into people's laps if I were to do it like that.
2006-12-20 02:51:11 · answer #3 · answered by stickboy_127 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
According to Emily Post, who is renown for her rules of ettiquette, "In passing across people who are seated, always face the stage and press as close to the backs of the seats you are facing as you can. Remember also not to drag anything across the heads of those sitting in front of you."
I do not think people are as attentive to rules of ettiquette as they used to be, but some older people may find it rude for you to face them while passing down a aisle in a theater. Make sure that you do not apply this rule with a coat in your arms because you may hit someone in the head from behind. So keep your coat close to your side while passing.
Also it is polite to say excuse me, or thank you, or I'm sorry while passing, but don't say pardon me unless you inadvertingly hit them and then you say, beg your pardon. Hope that helps.
2006-12-20 03:59:32 · answer #4 · answered by rejavanation 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have done both. I always tuck my feet under when someone wants to pass. If others do not do this I will pass facing forward because I do not want to step on their feet. As long as the person doesn't have a hygiene or flatulence problem either way is ok.
2006-12-20 02:42:49 · answer #5 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I turn my back to people. That's the way we learn it here. I sometimes face them but I have seen some people get annoyed by that and think it's "rude".
2006-12-20 02:08:38 · answer #6 · answered by stephyrose87 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't think there are strict rules about it here. I personally always pass facing them because no one wants to see anyone's butt up close and personal!
2006-12-20 02:08:10 · answer #7 · answered by poohb2878 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Either way, it's an unpleasant business (unless you are a particularly lissome lass and wish to pass me, in which case I am willing to agree with whatever you think best!).
2006-12-20 02:14:55 · answer #8 · answered by Jack430 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I find it awkward to look at people since they usually act upset at the fact that you are passing by them because they are rude.
2006-12-20 02:13:39 · answer #9 · answered by Professor Maddie 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't know for sure if there's a rule about this, but I personally would rather have someone pass me while looking at me than me seeing only their backsides as they go by. Just my personal viewpoint. <*)))><
2006-12-20 02:09:23 · answer #10 · answered by Sandylynn 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋