Miss Manners

Just as a start off- for those of you who are from Utah...this is not meant towards you, I am sure that you are nothing like this (I know this because if you were we wouldn't be friends!!)

BUT- Here is my question for everyone- Why are Utah'ns (is that even a word?) so ill mannered, disrespect full, and just plain out rude? Now you say oh no it isn't that bad, you just aren't use to the "normal hospitality" as opposed to "Southern hospitality". No, you are wrong. Even though I grew up in Denton, Texas (yes a very nice friendly area), I have also lived in Omaha, Nebraska- Rexburg, Idaho- Bloomington, Indiana- and even Dallas Texas (right downtown) I have never in my whole entire life felt more aggravation towards anyone then this past summer while living in Provo Utah...the "hub" for Mormonville. How are they rude? Well, let us count the ways... (this is a generalization, and for the most part this is what I find. If you aren't like this and live in Provo...sorry!)

First off, "Excuse me" it is a very simple and easy phrase to say. Often said to move past someone, when you bump into someone...or any other movement in which you might have to have someone else move on your behalf. Halle and I went to a store this morning, and I said it about 3 times while we were looking for different items- EACH time I said this the woman would look at me like "oh my... that was polite...what was that word again because I have never in my life heard nor used that word".

Second- when walking in a crowded area you always bend and move with the flow of traffic...that is just the law of how it works. Walking up to my husbands office I will get more than 5 rude "move out of my way or I will run your big old pregnant body off the walkway" looks and even the occasional shoulder bump for me being in their way while they are with friends or even casually walking to class.

Yes'mam, No'mam- ok so maybe this is purely a Texan thing. I say it to anyone whom I am speaking with who deserves this type of respect. Use it, you will be SO surprised at how much nicer people are to you.

And last but not least...Driving. Seeing as I have lived and driven through more states than the average person I have seen my fair share of drivers. Let's go over the rules one more time- Your blinker is there so that people know you are turning. If the speed limit says 55, I will go 60 and when you honk your horn at me for not going fast enough I am sorry!! I Am already 5 over the speed limit and would like to keep my driving record clean. If I pass you because you are going 10 under the speed limit, it doesn't give you the right to speed up, pass me, get in front of me, and then slow down just to prove a point. That just isn't nice.

Utah is a very gorgeous area to visit...but I think I have decided that if Dustin were to get a job offer here it would have to BLOW all other job offers out of the water. BY FAR! Anyway- that is my vent for the week, I am going to the Doctor this afternoon so wish me luck. I still have to get "pre-approved" to fly in 2 weeks back to Indiana. Oh Indiana...were the people drive nice, talk nice, and even look at everyone with nice friendly glances.