There's phone etiquette (no speaking loudly on it, keep it on silent in public areas, don't stare at it when you are in conversation with someone, yada yada), office etiquette (dress professionally, speak softly, boss is always right, yada yada), table etiquette (eat with your mouth closed, keep napkin on lap, don't gobble, chew, no loud noises, don't burp, there's A LOT of this one...), etc!
So I figured if I'm sharing my sleeping space within a 4feet radius with a stranger on this train, there HAS to be something of an unwritten train-journey-etiquette!
Like its weird how almost everyone sleeps with their heads toward the window and feet sticking out into the aisle...why? In etiquette-world, I'd prefer if they slept the other way around. 1) they'd make sure they fit into the space allotted and 2) I wouldn't inadvertently run into someone's smelly feet when I'm running down the aisle!
That brings us to another rule, is running in the aisle allowed? I think not only should it be allowed, it should be mandated! There are so many benefits to that, I'll list a few: 1) u get from place A to place B faster...a little efficiency never hurt anyone! 2) if everyone is running, people will automatically keep the aisles free of their overstuffed luggage! 3) it gives everyone privacy! There no longer will exist the creep who walks slowly, assessing everything about who's doing what, where...and there also won't be the creep who stares at everyone passing by, deciding on which one to grope!
Loo etiquette on the train: if the loo is occupied - DON'T stand around waiting for whoever is inside to come out, just go back to your seat and wait. Its really embarrassing to see the guy outside glance at his watch and frown when you step out!! Yes, I took time...and so will you! Now stop judging me...jeez!!
The-common-table etiquette: so the table is for everyone sir, PLEASE keep your jhola with 5kgs of rice somewhere else!
There's a lot more: the-smelly-food etiquette, the-i-know-u-have-the-window-seat-but-its-december-and-its-5AM etiquette, the-loud-chatterbox-family etiquette.
But the king of all etiquettes to be taken VERY VERY seriously: the-kids-between-the-ages-of-being-born-and-13-are-unanimously-annoying-so-put-a-leash-on-them etiquette!!!
Surprisingly, my compartment has people who share my etiquette (I can't type this word anymore, the 5 letters are getting loose :P) opinions! :)
Bon nuit!
Sent on my BlackBerry® from Vodafone
You forgot the most important etiquette -
ReplyDeleteIn the Indian Railways, where women can dance on the top perfecting pelvic thrusts and kids can weave paper planes out of thin air while travelling all over the country, there are no rules. :-)