Umbrella etiquette is the art of not being rude when you have a portable roof over your head. Umbrellas are great for keeping us dry, cool, or cozy, but they can also be a pain in the neck (or the eye) for others if we don’t use them right. Here are some tips on how to be a good umbrella buddy and not a brolly bully:
- Before opening your umbrella, make sure you’re not in a tight spot or surrounded by people. Look left, right, up, and down to avoid whacking anyone with your umbrella’s sharp bits or metal sticks.
- When walking with an open umbrella, be mindful of your environment and the size of other people. Adjust your umbrella low or high enough so you don’t blind anyone or stab someone in the eye. If you are passing by someone taller or shorter than you, tilt your umbrella to the side or lift it up to give them some space. Don’t be a brolly hog.
- When entering a building, close your umbrella before you step inside. It is considered bad manners and bad luck to open an umbrella indoors. You don’t want to jinx yourself or ruin the carpet. Shake off any extra water outside or near a drain, and wrap your umbrella in a plastic bag or a cloth to stop dripping. Nobody likes a wet floor or a soggy seat.
- Don’t leave your umbrella on a seat or a table where it can soak or stain the surface or take up room for others. Put it on the floor near your feet or in an umbrella stand if there is one. Don’t hang it over the back of a seat where it can poke someone’s back or fall off. That’s just rude and clumsy.
- Don’t use a big or golf-sized umbrella in crowded areas or public transport. It can take up too much space and make it hard for others to move around. Pick a smaller or foldable umbrella that is easy to carry and store. You don’t need a tent, just a cover.
- Don’t use your umbrella as a weapon or a tool. Don’t swing it around, point it at someone, or use it to push or prod people. Don’t use it to pick up things or poke holes in things. Treat your umbrella with care and respect. It’s not a sword, a wand, or a hook.
"In the world of storms and cinema, a gentleman's umbrella is not just a shield from rain, but a dance partner in the choreography of life. Hold it high, let it waltz with the wind, for a well-handled umbrella speaks volumes in the silent language of elegance."
By following these simple etiquette tips, you can use your umbrella in a nice and civilised way that will not annoy or hurt other people. Umbrellas are meant to make our lives better and more comfortable, not worse and more stressful. Remember, kindness and consideration go a long way, especially on a rainy day.