A few weeks ago, on my second full day back from Christmas in the states I was at the store with both kids to get a few small things. For the first time ever I could utilize the "5 items or less" line. Which was good given that the other 20 registers were each at least three carts deep... While protecting my spot in line and lecturing the kids a 60-ish year old man walked up, put out his elbow, and inserted himself into the 6-inch gap between myself and the person in front of me, despite my wide-leg defensive stance.
Suffering severe jet-lag (two nights straight of two hours sleep apiece) and seeing that he was not someone in a situation which would warrant allowing a cut in line, I didn't take it too well. I told him, rather forcefully in German: "Excuse me. The line is behind me." And pointed for clarity. He glared at me but walked slowly to the back. It went no further, thankfully, but to be fair.... the man probably didn't think he was being rude at all.
A handy, highly unofficial print-and-pack Rudeness Chart for your convenience below:
- Sniffing when nose is runny: Rude in Germany, Okay in the USA
- Loudly honking into tissue in immediate presence of others when nose is runny: Rude in USA, Okay in Germany
- Not offering right hand when greeting someone: Rude in Germany, Okay in USA
- Bumping people w/grocery cart to get by or because one is impatient: Rude in USA, Okay in Germany
- Cutting in line when others are complacent: Rude in USA and Germany but definitely seems more acceptable around Europe
- Driving through crosswalks / intersections despite seeing pedestrians waiting to cross: Rude in Germany, Okay in USA (having to retrain myself on this one)
- Talking on Cell Phone at restaurants, in midst of people groups: Rude in Germany, Okay in USA
- Asking about personal finances, including salary: Rude in USA, Okay in Germany
- Tipping 5% at restaurants and for other services: Rude in USA, Okay in Germany
- Being (mostly) humored by our differences: Okay everywhere, we would hope.
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