Dare we say it? Yes, summer is almost here, and despite the buckets of rain Mother Nature has been dumping on us lately, the sun is bound to come out for more than a few minutes sometime soon and we’ll all head outdoors for a bit of exposure to those much-needed Vitamin D-making rays.
But just like everything else, with this warm and lovely season comes summer etiquette. Just like everything else, there are do’s and don’t; like in the fall you don’t rake leaves in your yard – then dump them all over the neighbours lawn. And in the winter it’s just not nice to shovel your snow into the driveway of the guy next door.
Basically, any type of etiquette is just a common sense approach to every day happenings.
So folks, why is it that some of you feel it’s alright to spit everywhere? I could get really gross in my description of this problem, but suffice to say, nobody – and I mean NOBODY – likes to get out of their car in a parking lot and step into a puddle of . . . well, you know what I mean. I apologize to those with weaker stomachs, because the thought of it makes me gag too. The bottom line is this; if you feel the need to rid yourself of various bodily excretions, go someplace private. It’s called ‘being considerate.’
Especially during the summer months it’s very pleasant to get outside and use some of the many facilities provided by our local communities such as public pools, playground equipment, sports facilities and picnic areas. But a visit to any of these places can turn out to be a less-than-pleasant experience if there are people there who exhibit poor judgment in their public behaviour.
If you have young children, make sure you come prepared for any and all concerns; make sure you have food and drinks and bring sunscreen and apply it often and thoroughly so your children don’t get sunburned. And if young children get tired and begin making unpleasant noises; take them home. It’s not fun sunning yourself next to a screaming kid whose parent doesn’t have sense enough to know that it doesn’t want to be there anymore.
Be aware that there are other people who like to use the various equipment and facilities provided like playground equipment or washroom facilities, so don’t you – or don’t let your child – monopolize something when there are others who might want to use it too. Show a little respect and everyone is happy.
Many of us have pets who also love to get outside for a bit of fun. It’s great exercise and Fido can provide lots of entertainment for other people using the facility – unless he’s being a pest. Just another common sense approach folks; don’t let your dog harass other people, either by barking or begging for food. And of course, always remember to bring along a couple small baggies to remove your pet’s droppings, and make sure to put the bags in the proper garbage bins that are always provided. There is nothing that gets my goat more than stepping into a pile of bum-biscuits left by someone else’s dog.
I’m sure there are many more proper etiquette ways to handle summertime’s small concerns, but if we all use common sense and do our part, clean up after ourselves, our pets and our children and think twice before doing something that may upset other people; then we can all enjoy the summer months ahead too.
