The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1940-06-29
GOOD TASTE
TODAY
BY EMILY POST

Most Of us know from personal
experience how disconcerting il Is
in a theater where seats are not
reserved, to make our way to
single empty seat only to be told
by person guarding ii. This seat
Is taken" When there are plenty
Of other seats. we do not mind
finding one But when (as often
hsppens) a number of other seats
which were empty. are occupied
by the time we reach them and we
have to go to the back of the aisle
and stand. We certainly understand
the feelings of the reader who
sends this question: IF someone
leaves his seat during the picture,
has the friend who remains in her
place next to the empty seat. the
right to hold 1t for him when the
theater is packed and people stand
ing rows deep waiting for Places"
In answering this, I am really
not lacking in sympathy for the
chagrined new conner but I think
the right to the seat depends upon
whether its occupant has left it
for moment or whether it is being
held for someone who is late. In
the first case, taking it for granted
that no one would leave his seat
except for an urgent reason. the
person who came with him should
have the right to hold it for him.
In the second case, one extra seat,
held few minutes for the driver
of the car who had to park it at
distance, would be reasonable for
so long as any other vacant seats
remain, but would not seem fair
TO the standee who sees a later
arrival take the seat he himself
Tor especially she herseH) had at
tempted TO take. The inexcusable
situation is where one person goes
on ahead to hold a row of best
seats for others who are arriving
at their leisure. On the other hand,
when the management blocks off
a row or two of seats, for an
especial "theater party" no one
ever objects. The reason for this
is that it is a rare occasion and
not the inconsiderate behavior of
habitual late-comers. Best behavior
requires that all who are going, be
at the theater early. and together.
Thank-you Expressed by a Man
Dear Mrs. Post: During a busi-
ness motor trip, which I made
alone, and from which 1 have just
returned, l met delightful young
couple. Meeting them was an I'M
expected happening at a conven-
ton we all attended. But it was
case of friendship at first sight.
On my way back through their
town l stayed with them three
days and had a good time. Now I
should like very much to express
my appreciation to them some way
further than the customary bread
and butter letter-which by the
way have sent. Perhaps you can
tell me what might do, if any
thing.
Answer: You might send the
wife some flowers. This is always
a very nice thing to do after stay
ing with someone, especially when
there is very little chance of MAX
ing any return for hospitality. You
probably know-but for the bene-
fit OF some people who may not
you can go to your own florist in |
your own town and order whatever
flowers he has or suggests. II not
too far away he will ship his own.
But if they live at a distance he
will have flowers sent from a flor
list near them, to whom he for
wards. your card Tor motel. Or II
they must be rush. the florist will
telegraph the order, and repeat
your message. but your own note
can not be sent faster than air mail. !
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