When I go to the theater or a concert, I always get an aisle seat — partly because I’m a large person and need extra room, and partly because I’m a bit claustrophobic. But I understand sitting there means having to get up when other patrons want to get to their seats in the same row. Many times, I’ll remain standing until everyone in the row has loaded in, but that’s not always possible.
When it isn’t, I’m happy to stand up and step out to give them space. But more often or not, they stand too close, blocking me from moving into the aisle so I can get out of their way. These are the same people who wait in front of elevator and subway doors, then rush to get in as soon as they open, with no regard for allowing those inside to exit first.
In other words, humans who don’t know how to act in public and have no regard for anyone else.
In theaters which allow audience members to bring drinks to their seats, I always know there will be trouble when a couple squeezes past us carrying more than two drinks. Inevitably, they have no idea how much liquid their bladders can hold, so they’re going to get up in the middle of the show and force the rest of us to stand up, too, so they can get by and go to the bathroom. They always seem oblivious to the ripple effects of their interruption.
Then, more often than not, when they return, they’re carrying several more beers or drinks — and the likelihood they’ll spill some of the liquid on me or my wife is roughly 100%.
Two other groups who belong in the same category: 1) people in public places (including on planes) who have phone conversations with the speaker on so the rest of us have to hear both sides of their too-loud conversation; and 2) people at the gym who must not own earbuds so when they walk on the track we all have to hear their music.
The 1970s were called The Me Decade, but it couldn’t hold a candle to the current Me First era.