Do you apologize if someone bumps into you?

[hang_nga_79]

If you're Canadian, yes you do--or so the stereotype goes. I'm Canadian and I admit that the first thing I say if someone bumps into me is 'sorry' because my mother insisted on it when I was younger and now it's a habit. Note, I said if someone bumps into me, not if I bump into someone--although I'd do the same thing anyway. I say 'sorry' when I

Comments

[essie07]

HAHAHA! My mom insists on good manners too, but if someone bumps into me, I expect them to apologize. Of course, I definitely say "sorry" if I've bumped into someone because it was something that I did to someone else.

I would consider myself well-raised with great manners, too. LOL. I guess to each their own.

I know plenty of rude Canadian people, but I've seen some acts of sheer courtesy here that I have never seen anywhere else. On more occasions than I can count, someone has rushed from behind me to open a door for me. On more than one occasion, I've had people pick up something that I've dropped from a block away and chase me to return the lost object... one of which was a sheet of notes I had from class! Actually, I did the same once before. This girl's watch unclasped and it fell and I was behind her so I picked it up and ran after her to return the watch to her.

On a totally unrelated note, I mailed things yesterday, so I guess you should expect them next week? TEEHEE.

[hang_nga_79]

lol, I don't think it's rude if you say 'sorry' only when someone runs into you---it's more of a habit, I believe, for a lot of Canadian's to apologize first, for everything. Perhaps personality comes into play, too.

Aw, thanks so much for sending me mail. I already told my niece that I'm expecting something--she checks the mail each day as part of her chores--so she's excited about it, too!

I hope things are going better for you. Will email you again soon.

[redwulf50]

actually here it is 'excuse me' instead of sorry

[hang_nga_79]

We use 'excuse me' here if you are planning to cut in front of somebody (for a good reason, not just to get there faster), but if you bump into someone or they bump into you, then 'sorry' is the standard. 'Excuse me' in that situation would be considered mildly rude, in fact. Saying 'sorry' is more apologetic and if there's touching, you default to apologetic.

It does look completely ridiculous on 'Canadian Bacon' however, when the American characters are shoving through a crowd, knocking Canadians over even, and we're all saying 'sorry, sorry' and trying to get out of their way. lol, not realistic, of course, but very funny.

[herinia]

Oh my, this lol.

I wasn't born Canadian, and I can't remember if I have this habit before I came to Canada, but I do apologize for everything and anything nowadays even if it isn't my fault. It's just...a habit that I can't stop myself from doing. I don't know if this counts as good manners or low self-esteem though lol.

I have being wondering for a while if this is solely a Canadian thing too. xD

[hang_nga_79]

According to my poll, it's not solely Canadian. I don't think it's really so much a 'self-esteem' issue either but more a personality thing. Some people are NOT confrontational, and saying 'sorry' is a good way to avoid any confrontations. You can definitely be confident and at the same time very polite.

[xtie615]

yep.

... and is it really bad to apologize for apologizing?!!

[hang_nga_79]

If it embarrasses the other person, then yes! Smile and move onto another subject.

♥

[xtie615]

well, all i know is that a few of my friends've reprimanded me for apologizing so much. apparently, it's an uncontrollable, unconscious reflex of mine . *shrug* not bad for an ungly american, eh? : )

btw: *love* the icon...

*hugs*

[hang_nga_79]

Your friends are jealous of your manners XD!

I knew you'd like that icon.

[illuxi]

I tend to use "excuse me" more often. Like, when some douchebag is standing and talking to someone right in front of the ketchup section and I need ketchup...I'll reach in and say "Sorry, sorry, excuse me." And they STILL give me dirty looks. Geez, people. Go talk somewhere else.

[hang_nga_79]

lol. You are fantastic. I am way too shy to reach over and would end up waiting so long I'd probably be late to wherever I had to be---which is probably why I avoid eating out much. I can't deal with crowds.