DEAR MISS MANNERS: Many times, I have experienced the situation where someone is completely blocking a store aisle with their shopping cart. They see me coming and either move their basket aside to let me pass or I have to say, “Excuse me,” and then they move it.
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Some people say “Sorry” for blocking me, but some mumble a sarcastic “You’re welcome” to me as I go by, apparently because I don’t say “Thank you” for their efforts.
I feel I should not have to say thank you to them for correcting a situation they caused to begin with. Good manners would require not blocking the aisle in the first place. This happens to me often. What do you suggest?
GENTLE READER: Six words: "Excuse me. Thank you. You’re welcome." And you only have to say four of them.
Miss Manners’ point is that to be this angry -- and stingy -- about when to parcel out such kindnesses is beneath you. If someone’s cart is blocking the aisle, let’s assume it was a moment’s thoughtlessness, not a nefarious plot -- and that saying “Excuse me” costs you nothing.
True, we can do without a sarcastic “You’re welcome” if you forget to say thanks -- but let’s not forget. It will make the world a slightly less abrasive place.