Page 6 | AIBU to stop always moving aside for people in public?

Clara1984 · 2026-08-11T14:12:12+00:00

I know that I can’t be the only one this happens to but Jesus Christ, today I’ve had enough I’m usually the one moving out of the way of other people but today I decided to conduct a little experiment… people can move for me for a change, I’m hot, tired and got a sore foot and things didn’t go well lol on about number 16 shoulder barge! Im not talking about deliberately getting in people’s way, just holding my line, someone will appear from around a corner and expect me to move, but today I didn’t and bang, we have impact! I’m actually astonished how often it’s happened and didn’t realise how passive I have been up until today. To be honest, I probably won’t be repeating it, as I’ve found it really stressful. Will just go back to tutting and saying “ don’t worry I will move “ under my breath. Not even sure what my AIBU is, just wanted to rant as I’m pissed off with rude entitled people everywhere!!

GoodGirlFaith · 10/09/2026 17:17

Badbadbunny · 10/09/2026 16:40

Yes it was always the etiquette that you walk on the left of the pavement if in the same direction of traffic, so that people coming the other way will pass you on the side closest to the traffic as they have the clear view of the traffic, and can move into the road safely if necessary. The person walking closest to the traffic is always walking against the flow so has the best view.

Likewise, "gentleman" etiquette was always to walk alongside your "lady" at the traffic side, so that any spray etc from passing cars would hit the man who in turn protects the lady. And the man moves behind the lady into single file if you approach someone coming the other way. You rarely see that anymore, except for more elderly couples. It's one of those things you don't notice until you become aware of it.

I noticed it 40 years ago with my (now) DH, who always changed which side he walked on when we walked together and crossed the road, etc., Up to then, I knew nothing about that etiquette and I once asked him why he did it which is when he told me - he'd been "well trained" by his father how to respect a girl and given all kinds of old fashioned etiquette tips - he even always opened my car door for me (although I always suspected that was more to get a flash of my thighs!!).

We do seem to have lost some social courtesies as the years have passed.

Edited

Show quote history

You are right and I believe this has it's origins in the side of the body men more usually carried a sword. I could be wrong but this is what I have always believed!

FFSItsTooHot · 10/09/2026 17:27

Before I was disabled,I would get this all the time. But since developing quite severe mobility problems and having to use crutches when I'm out and about, I've started to stand my ground. I mean,it takes a very selfish and ignorant person to expect someone who is obviously having difficulty walking to jump out of their way! I do still encounter the odd one who expects me to move,but I just stand my ground and stop. They then have no choice but to go round me. I've been expected to walk in the road and on muddy grass verges in the past, and I'd had enough of it. It IS usually men who are the culprits. Unfortunately,being assertive and standing up myself comes across to some people as being aggressive. Which I most definitely am not!

Badbadbunny · 11/09/2026 10:26

@FFSItsTooHot

Unfortunately,being assertive and standing up myself comes across to some people as being aggressive. Which I most definitely am not!

It's scary how many people don't understand the difference and mistake someone being assertive as being aggressive.

PollyBell · 11/09/2026 10:33

I stand still when I see people stuck in their phones if they want to be morons and walk not looking they can run into me

Sartre · 11/09/2026 10:35

Some people don’t move at all and force you into the road which is just next level rude. Other people move when they don’t need to which forces you to thank them for something they really didn’t need to do.

I’m a runner so come across both camps regularly. I stopped running around my closest park because of dog owners who thought it was hilarious to let their dogs run in front of me almost tripping me up and people who would see me coming but make zero effort to go single file to let me pass. What I equally find irritating is people who make a huge effort to stop and stand to one side when there’s loads of room for both of us to keep going.

Badbadbunny · 11/09/2026 11:46

Sartre · 11/09/2026 10:35

Some people don’t move at all and force you into the road which is just next level rude. Other people move when they don’t need to which forces you to thank them for something they really didn’t need to do.

I’m a runner so come across both camps regularly. I stopped running around my closest park because of dog owners who thought it was hilarious to let their dogs run in front of me almost tripping me up and people who would see me coming but make zero effort to go single file to let me pass. What I equally find irritating is people who make a huge effort to stop and stand to one side when there’s loads of room for both of us to keep going.

Oh yes, agree with all that, especially the "performance" ones who make a huge deal of standing aside when there's loads of room, just because they want the glorification of doing a good deed, though completely unnecessary. And an even bigger yes to the prats with dogs on stupidly long leads or no lead at all who don't give a toss that their dog is about to trip you up!

Very similar to the muppets driving the last car in a queue of traffic who flash/wave you in front of them even though you could just have easily had pulled in just behind them because there was no one else there!

gannett · 11/09/2026 11:55

Trickedbyadoughnut · 11/08/2026 15:44

The other day I was running on a footpath wide enough for three abreast. Three people walking abreast were walking towards me, they had grass verge on their side, I had a river on my side. Not one of them dropped back, I ended up stopping and the person nearest to me shoulder-slammed me and then shouted at me! I was standing still! Good job I'm fat or I'd have gone in.

I do actually have to stop quite regularly when people are walking abreast. It's mad. If it's narrow and people are being normal, I'm happy to drop to a walk or step on a verge or whatever, so it's not like I'm just barrelling on. Drives me mad.

This happens to me ALL THE TIME when I'm out running. It particularly grinds my gears when the path is straight and they're coming towards me, and so I know they DEFINITELY saw me - just didn't bother to shift a few inches over. Never sure what they expect me to do - stop running and move aside for their ladyships with a bow? At this point I don't make an effort to avoid them. I've never physically barged anyone but if they get my runner's sweat on them, that's their fault.

I actually don't find this is gendered, the rudest examples are straight couples or large family groups (I see this behaviour far more around Xmas time). My male runner friends say they encounter it a lot more with other men than I do, though.

Pavement/path etiquette shouldn't be complicated. I pick a side and run close to it, leaving plenty of space for anyone to pass me if they want. I notice people coming towards me and adjust my path accordingly so we can pass each other with neither of us breaking stride. I don't know what goes through the heads of people who just amble obliviously down the middle.

Fiddledeedeeee · 11/09/2026 11:58

Hahaha this has reminded me of my beloved grandma. She got fed up of it too and at 5 foot nothing she’d stop dead on a pavement in front of whomever expected her to move and wait for them to go around her, with a nonchalant look on her face 😂
Incredibly embarrassing for her anyone with her! I remember her doing it in central London… Didn’t give a damn!

Sartre · 11/09/2026 12:23

gannett · 11/09/2026 11:55

This happens to me ALL THE TIME when I'm out running. It particularly grinds my gears when the path is straight and they're coming towards me, and so I know they DEFINITELY saw me - just didn't bother to shift a few inches over. Never sure what they expect me to do - stop running and move aside for their ladyships with a bow? At this point I don't make an effort to avoid them. I've never physically barged anyone but if they get my runner's sweat on them, that's their fault.

I actually don't find this is gendered, the rudest examples are straight couples or large family groups (I see this behaviour far more around Xmas time). My male runner friends say they encounter it a lot more with other men than I do, though.

Pavement/path etiquette shouldn't be complicated. I pick a side and run close to it, leaving plenty of space for anyone to pass me if they want. I notice people coming towards me and adjust my path accordingly so we can pass each other with neither of us breaking stride. I don't know what goes through the heads of people who just amble obliviously down the middle.

Show quote history

God yes this is why I stopped running in my local park. They walk 3-4 abreast taking up the whole path and see me coming but make zero attempt to move aside so I have to loudly say excuse me. Some will then tut and moan! Some people are just crazy.

Sartre · 11/09/2026 12:24

Badbadbunny · 11/09/2026 11:46

Oh yes, agree with all that, especially the "performance" ones who make a huge deal of standing aside when there's loads of room, just because they want the glorification of doing a good deed, though completely unnecessary. And an even bigger yes to the prats with dogs on stupidly long leads or no lead at all who don't give a toss that their dog is about to trip you up!

Very similar to the muppets driving the last car in a queue of traffic who flash/wave you in front of them even though you could just have easily had pulled in just behind them because there was no one else there!

Show quote history

Agreed, there’s definitely a performative element to it. It tends to be men I’ve found, they perhaps believe they’re being chivalrous but I just find it a bit irritating to be frank!

Flamingojune · 11/09/2026 12:29

I let the one who's in a rush have the space, be it a path, or a door way. I will step aside or hold open doors. Its a calmer way to live.

mondaytosunday · 11/09/2026 12:55

I was just walking along the road and a man coming the other way. My street and I was just contemplating if I should say hello (I didn’t recognise him) but I was also very much on one side of the pavement. Oddly he then switched from the side he was walking on to my side so I had to move across. He didn’t look at me so I didn’t greet him, but I found it strange that he should move to my direct path. Anyhoo I do find young women the worst - they stand in clumps blocking the way and it’s like I’m invisible (I’m in my 60s and overweight, which I do think lends an invisibility cloak as in I’m dismissed). I am not shy about saying ‘excuse me’ to get them to move.