What About Those Not Giving Six Feet of Space?
Hi Edda,
I've been noticing a lot of people are not practicing social distancing while out on walks. They act defensive when others get close, but they won’t give up an inch of sidewalk to allow space to pass by. I’ve also seen parents letting their children run around with no regard to their proximity to elderly people. I don't want to be rude, but what can I do to curb this selfish behavior?
Sincerely,
Staying Six Feet Away
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Dear Six,
People are afraid. But they are also super self-absorbed. They think that it’s all about others not getting too close to them, not about them not getting too close to others. In their minds, they are germ free, not infected, and feeling just fine. And their kids? Well, some people think their kids are just so darned cute that they are making the world better just by being out in it. Which I ordinarily wouldn’t have a problem with. Except that kids have no concept of disease transmission. None at all. That’s your job, mom and dad.
What to do about it is the two trillion dollar (is it really up to $2T?) question. As we all should know by now, yelling at people does not work. They already know they’re wrong. Yelling will just make them defensive. So Edda, you say, that is not an answer. I asked what I should do! Calm down, Six. I’ve made a list.
1. First, decide if you really need to hang out where there are other people. You have the option of avoiding them. Okay, it’s just a suggestion. Here are some other ideas:
2. Give them the look. If you are a parent who has navigated through the teen years, you know the look I mean.
3. Talk loudly to yourself; more specifically to your imaginary friend. This technique works for me in almost all situations, COVID-19 or no.
4. Make heavy, imploring eye-contact.
5. Combine numbers 3&4.
- And most importantly -
6. Make sure you are not guilty of the same transgression you’re getting upset with them about.
Also, wash your hands.
Edda
Edda is not a medical professional but a local lady who loves to give out advice, even when it's not asked of her. Submit your question to for Edda to answer.
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27 Comments
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Apr 04, 2020 12:16 PM“Talking loudly to yourself.” Great idea. Sample dialogue for loud talking with or without cell phone. “So you got sick right after coming to my house a couple days ago? You’ve got a high fever and coughing and CAN’T BREATH? OMG. I’m beginning to feel the same. Do you think we should go to the ER. I hope we both don’t DIE from this VIRUS.”
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Apr 04, 2020 12:40 PMI like 1 and 6; as for talking loudly to yourself, I doubt that would work and would result only in stares. Maybe #7 could be to put on your mask or, if you already have it on, pull on it, as though adjusting. Most people are creatures of habit and we're not in the habit of avoiding others by 6 or more feet.
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Apr 04, 2020 12:43 PMIf you have to go as far as having fake phone conversations maybe just stay home.
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Apr 04, 2020 12:59 PMI often run across people who seem to be talking to themselves. It used to mean they were crazy, but now it just indicates a Bluetooth conversation. It’s not alarming anymore (just annoying).
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Apr 04, 2020 01:09 PMIt’s pretty hard to curb other people’s selfish behavior, especially if they are random strangers. Easier to work around it. My solution is to find a less crowded street. If you see someone coming, cross the street or turn around and go the other way, or step out into the street if it is safe (less car traffic these days!). Or you could yell: “Watch out! Infection potential!“ Let them think you’re the infected one. (Heck, you may be.)
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Apr 04, 2020 01:11 PMI start singing; "Close to you" by the Carpenters..
"Gimmie 6 feet" (it's actually3) by Skynyrd..
Besame mucho (kiss me)..
And any others i can think of at the moment..
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Apr 04, 2020 06:23 PMAlong those lines, the first title I could come up with was "Put Your Head On My Shoulder."
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Apr 04, 2020 01:13 PMI recommend not being passive aggressive as #2 implies and ask them to remember their space and yours. If you're worried about it, don't rely on a "look" for people to get the hint. Speak up.
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Apr 04, 2020 05:48 PMthey are not "overcrowded" I see a buss with 5-10 people spread out, with the sign on the front saying "BUS FULL ANOTHER FOLLOWING" so get your facts straight
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Apr 05, 2020 06:55 AMUsername checks out.
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Apr 04, 2020 02:06 PMTrader Joe's. Are the cashiers wearing masks yet? They are 2 ft from you went you buy your groceries. Also, why don't they clean the counter after each customer?
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Apr 06, 2020 09:44 AMI went on Saturday and the rules they have seem sufficient to protect the cashiers. A few customers violated the 6 ft rule though. Hopefully it won't end badly for them.
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Apr 04, 2020 02:26 PMIf someone is violating your 6-ft space then call 911 and report them immediately. Be sure to follow the advice of LA mayor Eric Garcetti. The other day he said, "You know the old expression about snitches. Well, in this case, snitches get rewards. We want to thank you for turning folks in and making sure we are all safe." Rat out the scofflaws! You know you want to.
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Apr 04, 2020 03:26 PMGoody two shoes.
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Apr 04, 2020 04:58 PMADAMVANT: 911 is for emergency use only. Even in snide, sardonic jest, you should not be advising anyone to call 911 to report those who are not following the distancing mandate.
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Apr 04, 2020 09:14 PMWhat are you, fourteen? Had time being a responsible member of society?
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Apr 05, 2020 01:29 PMMinibeats, Mrs. Mohra heard about the stay at home orders down here and thought I should call it in, so I called it in. End of story.
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Apr 04, 2020 03:52 PMJust saw a large group of adults walking by Nurture Cottage on coast village road. Not ok
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Apr 04, 2020 05:03 PMSomeone may have posted this already on Edhat. It is attributed to Einstein, but may or may not have been said by him. Nevertheless, for the purpose of this thread, I think it bears repeating: "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe!"
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Apr 04, 2020 05:04 PMThat was me!
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Apr 04, 2020 05:49 PMturn and cough in their direction, they tend to move
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Apr 04, 2020 07:58 PMDO NOT do this
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Apr 06, 2020 07:31 AMyet its perfectly ok for people to be too close and not follow the 6ft? whatever edhat hypocrites
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Apr 05, 2020 06:09 AMI look after myself. I have kids, they are hard to corral. If I am running or walking alone, and I see someone with kids or a dog (or someone older)... *I* move into a driveway or the street to maintain a safe distance.
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Apr 05, 2020 10:07 AMAnd definitely dart out into traffic if you see someone coming your way on the sidewalk.
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Apr 05, 2020 12:55 PM88...you obviously do not ride the bus! They are mostly empty..and depending on the size of the bus, allowing only 6 or 8 passengers on the bus at any given time...
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Apr 06, 2020 09:28 AMYou'll drive yourself crazy expecting everyone to adhere to the 6ft rule in public. Human beings can be very clueless or self-absorbed. Best to find a place to walk that doesn't get much foot traffic.
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