Is the teaching of basic manners dead?
Yesterday I had my first chest-puffing experience as a protective dad.
Just to set the background, The Fat Lady is still travelling First Class on the train, whereas I'm not sure of my base yet, so I'm slumming it. Last night on the way home The Fat Lady decided to keep me company in the ghetto, considering Virgin Trains have no real First Class service. So, there we are at the platform 20 minutes before departure, with the train in at the platform and the doors locked awaiting crew.
Well, we were first to the end door. Then along comes "Mr Wannbe Trendy" with his rolling suitcase shortly after us. And he stands right there in front of us, and proceeds to constantly look up and down the train for any sign of the doors opening. By this time a queue (amazingly it wasn't a scrum) starts to form. So after we'd been there for around 15 minutes the doors unlock, and "Mr Wannabe Trendy" charges for the door.
I cut around him, blocking his path with my left arm.
"Excuse me, but the pregnant lady who was here before you will be getting on the train before you."
"I don't have a problem with that, I've just got a bag to get on."
And that's where the conversation ended. Not like a bag is a major problem these days so his excuse was pathetic.
Anyway, what made my day was the lady who sat in front of us turning round and saying "well done" to me as she sat down. The Fat Lady, on the other hand, was mortally embarrased.
Tough crap - I was brought up with manners. And so will Junior. Shame "Mr Wannabe Trendy" wasn't.
Comments
Glad to see the upbringing worked
Posted by: Doris | July 9, 2006 11:20 AM
Upbringing? It was more like dragging!
BTW, hi, Mum!
Posted by: Lee | July 9, 2006 12:03 PM
My God I didn't realise you were born into this world!...I was going to make some comment about Jackals but I'm actually a nice guy and think Lee's a great chap too.
Well done Doris!
Posted by: Richard Brunton | July 9, 2006 6:45 PM
Thanks Richard I think he is pretty special too and thanks for all the encouragement you give him.
Posted by: Doris | July 9, 2006 7:36 PM
Special? Or "Special"?
Posted by: Lee | July 9, 2006 7:38 PM