Rules We Follow: but never agreed to

Evidently there was a meeting at some point where some great minds came up with a set of behavior rules that most of us follow in our daily lives. While I agree with many of them there are a few that we might want to break if for no other reason than to entertain ourselves.

It is understood that when you ride in an elevator you are supposed to face the doors. I think that is ridiculous. Next time you're sharing an elevator with other people turn around and face them. Then you can start asking questions like you are a quiz show host.

You are also not supposed to have people ride in the trunk of your car. I can't explain the excitement created when you pull up to a gas station and pop your trunk to let out a passenger. You are guaranteed to get stares.

There are a lot of these rules set aside for public bathrooms. For example it is perfectly fine for women to go to the restroom in pairs or small groups, they can even hold hands on the way. Men however must go one at a time. From personal experience it is also against these rules to shake hands with anyone in the men's room. Eye contact is frowned upon and really is only acceptable if you are both washing your hands and making eye contact through the mirror. Also there is no looking down in the men's room. This is especially tough on those guys with low self esteem. Talking in the men's room is discouraged, but it seems to be acceptable if the conversation is held between two close friends or if the topic is sports related.

Next time you are looking for a few laughs try breaking some of the rules. You may be rewarded with applause or you may just get a bunch of strange looks but it will undoubtedly be interesting.

Traveling 101: what not to wear on a plane

I just got back from a trip to the west coast and I was stunned by what some people wear when traveling. It amazes me that people who ought to know better still wear shorts and flip-flops on a plane. I am not saying you should wear your Sunday best, but long pants and closed toed shoes seem obvious choices for those with even the barest margin of common sense. 

If you have never flown it might be important to explain that as soon as the doors close and the plane is preparing for take-off they cut the air conditioning on and it stays on high for the duration of the flight. Also the planes are "cleaned" between flights in a haphazard process that often misses things like gum in the seats or on the floor boards. Also the seats are narrow with little leg room, and they are bolted to the floor with thick metal brackets. So, you can see how stepping or sitting in gum, and stubbing your toe can easily occur. 

Once you reach your destination there is usually a long walk to baggage claim which may include any or all of the following: trams, escalators, elevators, moving sidewalks, stairs, ramps, and/or bumps. Also airports tend to transition between carpet and polished tile at random intervals, so shoe choice is important for these reasons and one more. Possibly the most compelling reason for wise shoe choice is the fact that airport restroom floors are disgusting. Sometimes they are flooded, sometimes they are slippery, sometimes they are sticky, and sometimes they are just indescribable, but 100% of the time you do not want to touch your bare foot to them.

So, the proper attire should be: long pants that are nice but not too nice, well constructed shoes that are comfortable, and layers on top so that you can adjust to the temperatures in the airport, the airplane, and your destination.

This means the following choices are out: high heels, sandals, shorts, your best suit, your favorite dress, and anything that might fall off and hit the bathroom floor.

Hopefully these tips will help you enjoy your next flight no matter where you are headed.