I, The Modern Manners Guy, think lines are great. In a world of varying ideals and philosophies on situations in everyday life, lines are universally accepted as bringing order to public society. However, as good as lines can be, they also are a source of great frustration for many people. Thoughts about the people in front of you: "I really wish they would keep their kids under control ... Are you kidding? Is he really writing a check? Has he ever heard of a debit card? ... I only have one item, she should just let me go in front of her so I can be on my way." Thoughts about the people behind you: "They are standing too close, I wish they would back off ... (Insert kid statement here) ... They have too many items to be in the express lane." Patience is the key, but even your Modern Manners Guy can run a little short on patience when queuing doesn't go so quietly.

Mind the Principles

Allow me to preface the following comments. Most of the examples I will use will be related to standing in line at a retail or grocery store; however, the principles can be applied to many different situations (e.g., drive thru lanes, buffet lines, lines outside a sporting event). It's important when queuing up anywhere that you take a moment to notice how busy the location is. If you are the only person in the store, then the rules can probably be relaxed somewhat. But, if there is someone behind you, be considerate of their time. I realize you may come to this store multiple times each week and can't wait to catch up with your favorite cashier, but this isn't social hour at Maximilian's Country Club. Who knows, the person behind you may be late for their own wedding and had to pick something up along the way. Make sure to come during the store's slow times, if you're looking to socialize.

Cut Out Cutting

There might be nothing I can say here that is more important than this, do not cut. Was the elementary school teacher slapping you on the hand with a ruler trying to keep you in line not enough? Cutting in line breaks all sorts of manners fundamentals ... most importantly being courteous to those around you. No one was given a special "First in line" card when they were born, it is first come, first served, period. And never quietly use the excuse that you didn't realize you were cutting. If you pay attention and are aware of your surroundings, you will rarely be caught in that distasteful situation. Now, there may be the extreme situation when you are running late for a plane and carrying both yours and someone else's luggage after having to park the car and ... I digress. If you find yourself in dire straits, either find someone in charge of punctuality or ask politely to those in front of you if there is any possibility of going in front of them due to your particular circumstance at the time. You might find that in those dire situations most folks will not have a problem letting you go ahead of them, but if they do have a problem, your mannerly self should take over and graciously accept that you are at fault for being late.

It's Free to Pay Attention

I would like to emphasize this one thought again: just pay attention and be ready. By following this principle, you can avoid frustrating people around you and simply keep the process of a line flowing. Being aware of what is going on around you will go miles in keeping the orderliness that should be associated with lines, and will definitely keep someone from grumbling loudly at your expense or honking at you! This is especially useful in busy drive thru lanes at fast food restaurants. If the line is moving slowly, there may be a tendency to stop paying attention while turning around to find your child's toy that has been thrown to the floorboard or searching your wallet or purse for money. Just be ready for a quick honk if the line has moved without you. And please remember, the quick honk or a short attention grabbing statement from the person behind you should not be skewed as them being rude; they are just trying to help.

Following these simple rules will help you avoid frustration and sometimes avert confrontation. And if all else fails, just pretend that scary elementary school teacher is still standing behind you waiting for one false move.

Thank you for listening to The Modern Manners Guy's Quick and Dirty Tips for a More Polite Life. Transcripts of this show can be found at manners.quickanddirtytips.com. I

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