DEAR HARRIETTE: Coming from a rainy city, I have always wondered how umbrella etiquette functions. I always carry a small personal umbrella with me, but I know that is not the case for everyone in Seattle. If I am leaving a building with someone and I see it has started to rain, I offer to share my umbrella. Sometimes this offer is taken up, but sometimes I am not very close with the person I offer to huddle under a tiny umbrella with, so they graciously decline. That leaves me at a crossroads: We are walking together and I am shielded from the rain, but the person I am walking with is not. Do I close my umbrella? It is not my fault the person is unprepared; however, I still feel bad walking with an umbrella when someone else is getting soaked. Do I not have to worry about other's preparedness and use my umbrella? Should I insist on sharing? -- Rainy Days, Seattle
DEAR RAINY DAYS: It is thoughtful for you to offer to share your umbrella, but there is no need to insist. Each of us must be responsible for ourselves. Yes, it may feel awkward, but your offer of generosity is what is thoughtful. As you know, sometimes putting two heads under an umbrella leaves both people wet. So don't push. Remain gracious.
Sorry, I don't share. You're on your own, if you aren't smart enough to get yourself out of the rain. And if you don't care whether your 'do frizzes, that's your right, too.
If they have an umbrella and use it you may use yours.
If they have it choose not to use it you may use yours.
If they do not have an umbrella you may not use yours.
If there is any hint of rain in the air and you would choose not to use your umbrella make sure you present the umbrella to anyone around. Letting them know you have an umbrella and are choosing not to use it. This will allow them to use their umbrella without fear, otherwise you run the risk of two people walking in the rain getting wet like idiots think the other does not have an umbrella.
The same can be said of other items such as coats.
Cars are a little more difficult as it depends if when you drive past someone walking whether they are walking by choice, not owning a car or theirs is in the shop.
I rarely carrry an umbrella. Getting a little rain on me isn't a big deal. It doesn't bother me. Unless, i am out with dress clothes on then i might carry one. But, if i am just out and about going about my daily life like grocery shopping, etc, i don't bother with an umbrella unless it's pouring.
People actually think about this long enough to write a letter asking for advice?
Goodness.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
If they have an umbrella and use it you may use yours. If they have it choose not to use it you may use yours. If they do not have an umbrella you may not use yours.
If there is any hint of rain in the air and you would choose not to use your umbrella make sure you present the umbrella to anyone around. Letting them know you have an umbrella and are choosing not to use it. This will allow them to use their umbrella without fear, otherwise you run the risk of two people walking in the rain getting wet like idiots think the other does not have an umbrella.
The same can be said of other items such as coats.
Cars are a little more difficult as it depends if when you drive past someone walking whether they are walking by choice, not owning a car or theirs is in the shop.
I enjoy these tongue in cheek responses of yours very much. Especially since I know someone will take you seriously, which is always good entertainment.
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LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
If they have an umbrella and use it you may use yours. If they have it choose not to use it you may use yours. If they do not have an umbrella you may not use yours.
If there is any hint of rain in the air and you would choose not to use your umbrella make sure you present the umbrella to anyone around. Letting them know you have an umbrella and are choosing not to use it. This will allow them to use their umbrella without fear, otherwise you run the risk of two people walking in the rain getting wet like idiots think the other does not have an umbrella.
The same can be said of other items such as coats.
Cars are a little more difficult as it depends if when you drive past someone walking whether they are walking by choice, not owning a car or theirs is in the shop.
