I worry about being rude and not even realizing it. I can usually control myself from being rude in obvious ways, but new grey areas keep popping up.
For example, is it rude to fully recline my seat on an airplane, knowing it robs space from the guy behind me? On one hand, I’m just using the space that the airline sold me. They DESIGNED the seat to go back. But on the other hand, the guy behind me has to retract both testicles to have enough room to use his laptop. That doesn’t seem fair either.
How about using your car stereo system with your windows open? You pull up to a stop light on a warm day and realize you still have your radio volume blaring at the same level as it was on the open road. It’s not obnoxious music, just loud. Do you turn it down so the other motorists don’t hear it for the next 30 seconds?
Let’s say you’re in a car with one other person – someone close to you such as a family member or good friend. He/she is doing the driving and you feel the need to make some cell phone calls that have nothing to do with the driver. You know the calls won’t be brief. Do you use this handy unproductive time to make your calls while being chauffeured to your destination?
What about asking for advice from friends who happen to charge for that same advice in their professional lives? I’m talking about doctors, lawyers, accountants, financial advisors, tennis pros and the like. If you’re in a social setting, just making conversation, can you ask about the advantages of an S Corporation versus an LLC?
For the record, I try to avoid doing any of those things. But I am generally considered a neurotic pussy.