A Question of Etiquette
I had a situation yesterday that I was unsure what to do. I was in the men’s room and suddenly heard somebody retching in one of the stalls. What does one do in this situation? Do you ignore it – to save that person’s dignity? Or do you ask if they are okay?
I didn’t know who was in the stall, so it made it more difficult to choose. I could ask, and embarrass the person further … or, I could ignore it and be a cad if the guy really needed help. It would have been easy if I had known the person – you can ask a friend if they’re okay, but I’m not sure of the etiquette for someone you don’t know, or when you don’t know quite who is in the stall.
I did nothing, thinking that they didn’t sound that sick, and I figured the risk of embarrassment out-weighed the danger. Was I wrong?
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I think you did the right thing. I wouldn’t have done anything. Maybe if it was someone I knew well I’d say something, but if in doubt, I’d pretend nothing happened.
I probably would have done the same thing but would have also been nice to ask to embarrass them! Then again maybe you did know them? Decisions . . . . you made the right one!