Etiquette. What does that word even mean anymore?
In a world where we text during dinner, automatic doors mean nobody needs to do the opening and meals are generally enjoyed on the couch, with the TV on and not at a set table – etiquette has become a bit of an anomaly.
The Mamamia Team received an email this week asking about the correct etiquette in a very particular scenario.
Tammy* wrote:
I caught a plane over the weekend. When I got off the plane and was walking towards the airport exit, I found myself walking directly behind a woman wearing pale blue pants. She had quite an obvious period stain on the back of her pants.I wanted to say something but we were surrounded by people and everybody seemed to be in such a rush that I didn’t think they would have noticed anyway. I also didn’t want to embarrass her… I’m quite a shy person and would personally be mortified if someone pulled me aside to say something.
But then I asked a couple of my friends and they were horrified that I hadn’t said anything. Did I break some kind of rule of the sisterhood? Should I have pulled her aside? I feel so incredibly guilty now. But what was I supposed to do?
They say that he mark of a true friendship is when a friend is comfortable enough to tell you about the kiwifruit seed in your teeth or even the leaked period blood on your pants. But is it okay to point out the same sort of thing to a total stranger?
Over to you. What was the correct etiquette in this situation? What should Tammy have done?
*Tammy has asked to use a pseudonym.
Top Comments
My embarresing moment was I was sitting in English with a bunch of my friends in 7th grade. This girl who I was friends with but didn't particularly like and my other friend were whispering in people's ear and calling people over to tell them stuff. When I asked if I could hear they sort of looked sheepish but said no. They kept telling other people though so I finally forced it out of them. In front of everyone they said "you have a red mark on the back of your dress" I was horrified but couldn't admit in front of the whole table so I just said "oh my red pen leaked this morning". It was obviously a lie because the dresses didn't have pockets but they pretended to belaive me. To top it all off, they then yelled across the room to another table where my other friends were sitting and said "oh don't worry it was red pen"
I can't get over how inconsiderate they were and why they didn't just tell me! And why did the friends that they told realize what a mean thing they were doing? Looking back, they were obviously to embarrassed to tell me but that is why I would definitely tell some discretely. :)
Periods always reduced the confidence in me, specially since I am physically weak and worried about stains on those days.. Worrying about stains is my past issue now, after I have started using Adira period panties. I would recommend all my girlfriends to use them.