# "Get outa my way" or Why I am more important than you: **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [July 11, 2010, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-outa-my-way-or-why-i-am-more-important-than-you/546280 "2010-07-11T05:26:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![SeaCanary](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@SeaCanary](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaCanary)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2010, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-outa-my-way-or-why-i-am-more-important-than-you/546280/41 "2010-07-11T19:22:17Z")
> [@spark240](#): > > Who’s got time for that? We \*\*make \*\*time for the things we love. 😃 Lots of chocolate for me to eat, Lots of children for me to beat, (oops, I mean “coal givin’…”) Warm 'ands, warm arse, warm feet, Oh wouldn’t it be luverlyyyyy… ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2010, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-outa-my-way-or-why-i-am-more-important-than-you/546280/42 "2010-07-11T19:29:39Z")
> [@spark240](#): > > Who’s got time for that? Good point; it should be prosecuted through the normal channels. No bail, of course, and it’s not like they’ll insist on a speedy trial… ---
**Author:** ![Meyer6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cc9497/32.png) [@Meyer6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meyer6)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2010, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-outa-my-way-or-why-i-am-more-important-than-you/546280/43 "2010-07-11T20:11:51Z")
> [@AClockworkMelon](#): > > It’s not up to you to determine how valuable my time is. Are you going to steal a dollar from me and explain it away with “it’s a fucking DOLLAR. Who’s going to miss a dollar?! Get over yourself”? The problem is that the time you spend waiting is not being ‘stolen’ from you - if you’re in public, other people are going to be there doing things, and they are under no obligation to go fast for you. I agree that it’s annoying if people are totally unprepared, but I don’t think that just because you are not moving at light speed you are necessarily ‘dawdling’. I mean, if you have given yourself enough time to actually realistically do the things you need to do (ie. not trying to do 27 things within your lunch hour), you should be able to do things at a normal pace - neither leisurely nor frenetic. Also, I agree with **alice\_in\_wonderland** that we probably all do annoying things sometimes that we are not even aware of. All of this reminds me of people who go to major tourist attractions in the middle of summer and complain that they are too crowded. Of course if you go to the ATM during lunch hour you’ll have to wait. If you don’t want to wait, go in the middle of the night or something. ---
**Author:** ![thirdwarning](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecccb3/32.png) [@thirdwarning](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thirdwarning)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2010, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-outa-my-way-or-why-i-am-more-important-than-you/546280/44 "2010-07-11T20:32:09Z")
I don’t dawdle, and I try to be organized, efficient and prepared for any transaction I’m doing. I sign checks ahead of time, I swipe the debit card, I have everything filled out and ready. The thing is, when it’s my turn at the window, you don’t get to decide how many transactions I’m allowed to do. Because that IS putting your time or your priorities ahead of mine. I’m allowed to use the time I need to do the things I need, even if it inconveniences you for the moment I happen to be ahead of you in line. I get out of the way for people who go faster than I do on roads, _if I can_. I move aside on the sidewalk. I don’t stop in people’s way, and if I do once in a while get absent-minded in an aisle, a polite, “Escuse me,” will get me not only to move but to apologize. But when it’s my turn to do something I get to do it, and you don’t get to tell me I can’t just because you want to do something first or faster. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2010, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-outa-my-way-or-why-i-am-more-important-than-you/546280/45 "2010-07-11T20:36:45Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > …ATM machine… I just said “ATM machine.” I am so ashamed. **Meyer6** , we know that when we’re going into public, people’s apparent standards of behavior will, to varying degrees, differ from the expectations of behavior we have at home. No, Gerty pulling out her checkbook and reading glasses to pay for $4.17 of epsom salt, is not to blame for you not being able to complete all 98 of your lunch break tasks. Still, is it so unreasonable to expect that people will not take ridiculous amounts of time to do simple things? Is it not rude, stupid, and annoying to stand around and dawdle? Yes, dawdle. No, not everyone whose speed is less than that of light is dawdling, but some people flat out are. They take five minutes to pay for groceries, they stop in the middle of the sidewalk to gawk at everything, they slow down their cars on a busy road to look for an address. Hey, shit-for-brains, if you’re so lost, _pull over_! Why is it okay to slow everyone else down because _you_ are retarded? Some people’s kids… ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2010, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-outa-my-way-or-why-i-am-more-important-than-you/546280/46 "2010-07-11T20:41:08Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > … they slow down their cars on a busy road to look for an address. Hey, shit-for-brains, if you’re so lost, _pull over_! How can you look for an address when you are pulled over? ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2010, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-outa-my-way-or-why-i-am-more-important-than-you/546280/47 "2010-07-11T21:04:27Z")
Get a Thomas Guide. And for the kids, use your Garmin or iPhones, or park then get out and walk around. Don’t just drive 10 mph on the middle of Wilshire Blvd, yeesh. ---
**Author:** ![Meyer6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cc9497/32.png) [@Meyer6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meyer6)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2010, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-outa-my-way-or-why-i-am-more-important-than-you/546280/48 "2010-07-11T21:05:24Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > Still, is it so unreasonable to expect that people will not take ridiculous amounts of time to do simple things? Is it not rude, stupid, and annoying to stand around and dawdle? Yes, dawdle. No, not everyone whose speed is less than that of light is dawdling, but some people flat out are. They take five minutes to pay for groceries, they stop in the middle of the sidewalk to gawk at everything, they slow down their cars on a busy road to look for an address. Hey, shit-for-brains, if you’re so lost, _pull over_! Why is it okay to slow everyone else down because _you_ are retarded?. I’m not disagreeing with you in principle - some people are just stupidly, amazingly slow. But I know that the majority the times that I find myself feeling irritated in public, if I take a deep breath and think about it, I realize that I’m just antsy, the other people aren’t actually being that annoying. Actually, I’m more often annoyed by people who are in a chronic hurry - like left-turning drivers who keep crawling towards me while I’m crossing in a crosswalk. Calm down and stop the car already! I’m not going to sprint across the street just because you are late for work. Anyways, even though I’m sure everybody else who frequents this board is a paragon of organization and efficiency, I know I occasionally do some annoying things myself, so even if I’m irritated I try to give the person a break. We’re all just trying to do our thing. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2010, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-outa-my-way-or-why-i-am-more-important-than-you/546280/49 "2010-07-11T21:24:18Z")
> [@Meyer6](#): > > I’m not disagreeing with you in principle - some people are just stupidly, amazingly slow. But I know that the majority the times that I find myself feeling irritated in public, if I take a deep breath and think about it, I realize that I’m just antsy, the other people aren’t actually being that annoying. I guess this is where we’re different. Sometimes I’m annoyed by people just being people because I’m antsy, but usually, I’m annoyed because they’re being morons. > [@](#): > > Actually, I’m more often annoyed by people who are in a chronic hurry - like left-turning drivers who keep crawling towards me while I’m crossing in a crosswalk. Calm down and stop the car already! I’m not going to sprint across the street just because you are late for work. And this is where we’re similar. You’re talking to someone who walks or bicycles almost everywhere she goes. I can count on one hand the number of times I have driven my car in the last 30 days. For some reason, motorists seem to be in a terrible rush to get back to their suburb in Chaska so that they don’t miss a minute of “Two and a Half Men,” or whatever it is they’re in a hurry to get to. Why can’t they calm the shit down when I’m crossing the street? I’m not slowing down their day; I walk fast. I actually make a point of slowing down when walking with other people because I walk so fast, so there is no way I am ruining their day by crossing the street. I am not one of those people taking their delicate, precious time. But they seem to be all, “ROAR, there is a person in the spot I’d like my car to be in! Raawr, aggression!!1” Sometimes I make eye contact with them, which invariably results in them looking away with a somewhat embarrassed look on their face. Bastards. Anyway, people who take forever at the grocery store, and walk in wide horizontal lines on busy sidewalks are still a pain in my ass. I remember waiting literally _seven minutes_ for people to buy train tickets. There were two machines, and a group of people took up both of them, trying to figure out how to buy tickets. Holy fuck, if I can’t figure something out and there’s a line, I will give up my spot for people who know what they’re doing and have things to do. I certainly wouldn’t make sure the clueless occupy all machines. What were they trying to do: be efficient? Also, a train was coming soon, and everyone in line missed the train. There was a mini shouting match which was a bit much, but not entirely unjustified. > [@](#): > > Anyways, even though I’m sure everybody else who frequents this board is a paragon of organization and efficiency, I know I occasionally do some annoying things myself, so even if I’m irritated I try to give the person a break. We’re all just trying to do our thing. I’d like to participate in this feel-good sentiment, but my petty rage won’t let me! ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2010, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-outa-my-way-or-why-i-am-more-important-than-you/546280/50 "2010-07-11T21:40:22Z")
> [@thirdwarning](#): > > I don’t dawdle, and I try to be organized, efficient and prepared for any transaction I’m doing. I sign checks ahead of time, I swipe the debit card, I have everything filled out and ready. The thing is, when it’s my turn at the window, you don’t get to decide how many transactions I’m allowed to do. Because that IS putting your time or your priorities ahead of mine. I’m allowed to use the time I need to do the things I need, even if it inconveniences you for the moment I happen to be ahead of you in line. > > I get out of the way for people who go faster than I do on roads, _if I can_. I move aside on the sidewalk. I don’t stop in people’s way, and if I do once in a while get absent-minded in an aisle, a polite, “Escuse me,” will get me not only to move but to apologize. But when it’s my turn to do something I get to do it, and you don’t get to tell me I can’t just because you want to do something first or faster. Thank you. I think you said this better than I did. Some posters seem to have extrapolated behavior from my rant of which I am not guilty. [QUOTE=DanBlather] I know you; you stop at the top of escalators while people pile into you, you stand in the middle of the sidewalk in New York while throngs of people try and get by, you put your shopping cart in the middle of the aisle while you decide if you want Cocoa Puffs or Rice Crispies, you wait to look at the menu in McDonalds until you get to the head of the line (hint, it’s probably the same as last time you were there), you don’t get your checkbook out until your purchases are rung up, and you drive 55 in the left hand lane. [/QUOTE] None of this is true of me. These would all be jerkish behaviors, which might well make me roll my eyes at the perpetrator. Beyond that, life’s too short to burn my fuse about it (irony intended: I think getting my knickers in a twist about crap like this actually shortens my life). Anyway, back to what \*\*thirdwarning \*\*said: I wish everyone would read it again and again until they understand it. Roddy ---
**Author:** ![DfrntBreign](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f6c823/32.png) [@DfrntBreign](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DfrntBreign)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2010, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-outa-my-way-or-why-i-am-more-important-than-you/546280/51 "2010-07-11T21:56:17Z")
> [@FoieGrasIsEvil](#): > > … > Driving 55 in the left lane…you either KNOW you’re doing this because of some personal crusade against driving over the limit (in which case you’re obtuse and an asshole), or you’re just too stupid to realize that traffic is building up behind you and therefore shouldn’t even be driving in the first place. > … Thankfully, the state of Oklahoma apparently agrees with [del]you[/del] us [and will now back up that position to the tune of $188](http://www.news9.com/global/story.asp?s=11723828). ---
**Author:** ![Lamar\_Mundane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lamar\_Mundane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamar_Mundane)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2010, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-outa-my-way-or-why-i-am-more-important-than-you/546280/52 "2010-07-11T21:56:28Z")
Self checkouts are express lanes and are for self-sevice. If you bring a full cart of groceries to that lane you are being inconsiderate at best and an asshole at worst. Same thing if you are going to buy cigarettes. You know that requires assistance of an employee. You’re in the wrong line. If you want to let your kids scan the groceries and have a little playtime, you’re in the wrong line. Those lanes are specifically created for people who want to move quickly. If you’re a dawdler, don’t use them. ---
**Author:** ![LurkMeister](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3da27b/32.png) [@LurkMeister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LurkMeister)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2010, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-outa-my-way-or-why-i-am-more-important-than-you/546280/53 "2010-07-11T22:07:06Z")
I’m going to have to check the self-service checkouts at Harris Teeter next time I go there to see if there’s any indication that they’re intended to be express lanes with an item limit, as I’ve seen several people claiming here lately. Not that it matters that much to me; I generally only use them when I only have a few items anyway, and particularly when I don’t have many coupons since I have to pass those on to the clerk for manual processing. ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2010, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-outa-my-way-or-why-i-am-more-important-than-you/546280/54 "2010-07-11T22:26:55Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > I just said “ATM machine.” I am so ashamed. what a waste of time 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Meyer6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cc9497/32.png) [@Meyer6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meyer6)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2010, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-outa-my-way-or-why-i-am-more-important-than-you/546280/55 "2010-07-11T22:32:23Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > I guess this is where we’re different. Sometimes I’m annoyed by people just being people because I’m antsy, but usually, I’m annoyed because they’re being morons. Maybe you just live in a city with a higher moron quotient? > [@](#): > > And this is where we’re similar. You’re talking to someone who walks or bicycles almost everywhere she goes. I can count on one hand the number of times I have driven my car in the last 30 days. For some reason, motorists seem to be in a terrible rush to get back to their suburb in Chaska so that they don’t miss a minute of “Two and a Half Men,” or whatever it is they’re in a hurry to get to. Well, I’m glad we agree here. I don’t even own a car, so this is a daily annoyance of mine. I’ve even been honked at while crossing a crosswalk with a green light. And no, I don’t walk unreasonably slowly. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2010, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-outa-my-way-or-why-i-am-more-important-than-you/546280/56 "2010-07-12T00:00:16Z")
This is where I excel. I pay just enough attention not to get in most people’s ways, but otherwise? I could be surrounded by the world’s biggest dawdlers most days and I’m in my own happy little world. It’s a wonder I don’t gurgle. ---
**Author:** ![AClockworkMelon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aclockworkmelon/32/10803_2.png) [@AClockworkMelon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AClockworkMelon)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2010, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-outa-my-way-or-why-i-am-more-important-than-you/546280/57 "2010-07-12T01:56:55Z")
> [@Meyer6](#): > > The problem is that the time you spend waiting is not being ‘stolen’ from you - if you’re in public, other people are going to be there doing things, and they are under no obligation to go fast for you. I agree that it’s annoying if people are totally unprepared, but I don’t think that just because you are not moving at light speed you are necessarily ‘dawdling’. I mean, if you have given yourself enough time to actually realistically do the things you need to do (ie. not trying to do 27 things within your lunch hour), you should be able to do things at a normal pace - neither leisurely nor frenetic. Also, I agree with **alice\_in\_wonderland** that we probably all do annoying things sometimes that we are not even aware of. > > All of this reminds me of people who go to major tourist attractions in the middle of summer and complain that they are too crowded. Of course if you go to the ATM during lunch hour you’ll have to wait. If you don’t want to wait, go in the middle of the night or something. You’re right. I’m not saying that I have the right to expect other people to go as fast as I want. But when we complain about slow ass people it’s completely retarded for them to respond so pretentiously. ---
**Author:** ![SeaCanary](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@SeaCanary](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaCanary)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2010, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-outa-my-way-or-why-i-am-more-important-than-you/546280/58 "2010-07-12T02:43:35Z")
> [@DfrntBreign](#): > > > [@FoieGrasIsEvil](#): > > > > … > > Driving 55 in the left lane…you either KNOW you’re doing this because of some personal crusade against driving over the limit (in which case you’re obtuse and an asshole), or you’re just too stupid to realize that traffic is building up behind you and therefore shouldn’t even be driving in the first place. > > … > > Thankfully, the state of Oklahoma apparently agrees with [del]you[/del] us [and will now back up that position to the tune of $188](http://www.news9.com/global/story.asp?s=11723828). Finally. FINALLY. THAT IS SO COOL !! Usually I have to drive at least 30 miles beyond the DC beltway before I see slower people driving in the right lane. And I-95 between DC and Baltimore is hopeless at anytime outside of 10:00 PM to 4:30 AM. There are 2 things, though, that really make me want to duck and cover:[ol] [li]I’m driving 5 mph over the speed limit in the right lane, look in my rear view mirror and see a tractor trailer rig barreling towards me fast enough to slap-shot me into the next county. I’ve tried staying put and the bastard comes up on my bumper and sits there. Given sufficient time he will pass, but I gotta tell ya I feel one helluva lot happier moving one lane to the left and getting out of his way.[/li][li]Traveling south out of DC and driving on I-95 south through Virginia, I’m once again in the right lane driving 5 mph over the limit. (The last time I looked the posted limit was 65 mph.) The problem is everyone else – and I do mean everyone in every lane – is driving between 10 and 15 mph over the limit. I am a fripping HAZARD driving at 70 mph. The only thing I can think of is find an alternate route.[/li][/ol] I guess there’s no getting around either of these. It’s just the way things work. ---
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2010, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-outa-my-way-or-why-i-am-more-important-than-you/546280/59 "2010-07-12T03:09:57Z")
Welcome to the East Coast, SeaCanary. Drive at the speed of traffic. It’s safer. I have observed that on the East Coast, people speed, but obey stop signs and lights rigorously. On the West Coast, they do the limit, but do rolling stops or ignore stop signs if nobody’s there. ---
**Author:** ![SeaCanary](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@SeaCanary](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaCanary)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2010, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-outa-my-way-or-why-i-am-more-important-than-you/546280/60 "2010-07-12T03:15:58Z")
> [@E-Sabbath](#): > > Welcome to the East Coast, SeaCanary. Drive at the speed of traffic. It’s safer. Yeah, you’re right. 🙂 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-outa-my-way-or-why-i-am-more-important-than-you/546280.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-outa-my-way-or-why-i-am-more-important-than-you/546280.md?page=4)