To think there are two kinds of people?

[Patapouf]

Those that ask before sitting down on a bench next to you and those who just plonk themselves down.

I don't know if I'm more tetchy about it because I'd COVID. We are outside obviously, in a public area So risk isn't high.

I wouldn't dream at sitting down on someone's picnic bench without saying hello/asking did they mind.

It's just good manners isn't it? I'm from London so don't enjoy talking to strangers but I would still ask!

For context, our lunch is spread across the picnic table and DH is on the swings with DS less than 6 foot away.

Someone has just moved from being perched on one end (less annoying) to sitting opposite me facing outwards. Hair in the food

I'm not hogging a bench, there are dozens and plenty empty!

Yep. There are people who are polite and considerate, and people who aren't.

I would always smile and ask if they minded me sitting there

I would also sit on an empty bench if one was available though!

Yeah I'm a "Am I OK to park myself here a minute?" before sititng on a park bench and can't get my head around people that wouldn't.

Basic manners, courtesy and simple things are so easily taught and become standard you do without even realising.

I've said thank you to a cash machine before now. Realised the second I said it but my immediate reaction and response was to say thanks for letting me have my cash 😂

I hope that someone who sits at an occupied picnic table when there are others available and dangles their hair in the food of total strangers is an anomaly, rather than a 'type'!

@PinniGig

Yeah I'm a "Am I OK to park myself here a minute?" before sititng on a park bench and can't get my head around people that wouldn't.

Basic manners, courtesy and simple things are so easily taught and become standard you do without even realising.

I've said thank you to a cash machine before now. Realised the second I said it but my immediate reaction and response was to say thanks for letting me have my cash 😂

I feel like there's an overlapping Venn diagram section for people who are generally polite and considerate of others and those than thank inanimate objects like Amazon Alexa.

I note and maybe judge people unfairly on how they treat and speak to / approach very young children, animals, dogs and horses especially.

When I see a dog out and about the first thing I do is "Oooh hello sweet! Are you friendly and OK for me to give you a friendly head rub or should I not bother your nice time?" Then I look to the owners and wait for them to give me the nod or tell me to sod off before they ring the police.

Same when I meet a new horse. I'll ask over the stable door if it's OK for me to come inside and say hello / give them a little brush and make friends which most owners will follow up straight away "Yeah he's fine go in" or "No don't touch him don't look him get off my yard or I'll phone the police"

☺️