More than one thing can be true at once. Sure, saying “excuse me” is perfectly reasonable, but it’s also true that a lot of people are obnoxiously oblivious of their surroundings in public.
Such as a group of four people who stop in the middle of the sidewalk to chat and don’t notice / make room when someone is trying to walk by. I shouldn’t have to ask you to make room. I will, but you should be self-aware enough to allow others to pass.
For example, people who only turn on their left turn signal when a light turns green. Asshole, if you’d had that on before, I would have changed lanes when approaching a red light. Now I’m stuck because the other lane is full of moving cars and I’m waiting for you to turn. Does it ruin my day? No. But it’s still inconsiderate.
People don’t think of others nearly enough. It’s truly one of my greatest irritations.
I have started employing a practice I learned in the Post Office. When approaching I say in a very loud and cheery voice, “Mind your backs, please, mind your backs [ladies and gentlemen*]” repeat until they move and then say, 'Thank you very much, [Ladies and Gents**]."
It pretty much always works to move them out of your way if you say it loud enough and usually the cheeriness means they don’t feel awkward. The trick to it all is to keep walking once they’ve noticed you.
Are you literally incapable of saying “excuse me” OP? Are you a shut-in who has no friends to share conversation with?
More than one thing can be true at once. Sure, saying “excuse me” is perfectly reasonable, but it’s also true that a lot of people are obnoxiously oblivious of their surroundings in public.
Such as a group of four people who stop in the middle of the sidewalk to chat and don’t notice / make room when someone is trying to walk by. I shouldn’t have to ask you to make room. I will, but you should be self-aware enough to allow others to pass.
For example, people who only turn on their left turn signal when a light turns green. Asshole, if you’d had that on before, I would have changed lanes when approaching a red light. Now I’m stuck because the other lane is full of moving cars and I’m waiting for you to turn. Does it ruin my day? No. But it’s still inconsiderate.
People don’t think of others nearly enough. It’s truly one of my greatest irritations.
I have started employing a practice I learned in the Post Office. When approaching I say in a very loud and cheery voice, “Mind your backs, please, mind your backs [ladies and gentlemen*]” repeat until they move and then say, 'Thank you very much, [Ladies and Gents**]."
It pretty much always works to move them out of your way if you say it loud enough and usually the cheeriness means they don’t feel awkward. The trick to it all is to keep walking once they’ve noticed you.
*Delete as appropriate
** Again, delete as appropriate.
Shouldn’t be necessary. People need spacial awareness.
And courtesy.
GET OUT OF THE FUCKING DOORWAY
What makes you think “excuse me” will work?
You have too much faith in humanity.
Well when you approach the situation like that.
It doesn’t matter how you approach the situation. Other people aren’t going to let your behavior affect their decisions.