Greater Puget Sound Area Etiquette

[505HPC6Z06]

Originally Posted by Fallingwaters

Seattle is rated one of the most polite cities in the United States in 2004 according to the late etiquette expert Marjabelle Young Stewart. Although no one seems to have picked up the torch on rating manners in cities, I'd imagine Seattle is still in the top 10 at least. The surrounding areas are no slouches when it comes to manners, either.

That said, what are some people's observations on politeness here in the Emerald City.

Here's my list of things that stand out about Seattle:
1. Many people will step back and let others onto the elevators first
2. You hear less car horns in traffic
3. Few people seem to talk loudly or disruptively
4. Most people have their coffee orders memorized and ready before it's their turn in line
5. Lots of people are gracious about letting other cars merge on the freeway

What else? Any particular do's and don't for people new to the area? I've noticed to my amusement that people will sometimes get called out for rude behavior like appearing to cut in line or forgetting to clean up their own table at restaurants that don't bus the tables for customers. That's kind of quaint.

I think Seattle or rather most of the areas in WA that are not poverty stricken are polite, but not because of things in that list (aside from #3). People are intelligent enough to have empathy and boundaries that gives superficial respect to one another.

[j_k_k]

The most important Seattle etiquette no one will tell you about is: never confront an a-hole or bully. No one ever does, and they are just permitted to be as abusive and jerkwaddy as they like. If you do confront one, you will find that you embarrass everyone around you, and they'll actually be annoyed at you. So if you want to fit in, when the serial jerk steps on your foot, or is a lunatic shoving everyone on the street, or is drunk and holding up the bus, above all, never show any guts. Just blend in with the crowd that takes it without fighting back.