Inspired by VC's attempt to aid the human race...
I was at Reading Festival year before last, along with the tens of thousands of other people who'd come to see lots of bands playing the same kind of music and The Smashing Pumpkins.

I'd noticed that I was spending a fair amount of time getting out of other people's way while they went about their business, so I decided upon an experiment.

I just wouldn't move out of the way. And what do you think happened?

I got walked into a lot.

This got me to thinking, there must be two types of people: those who politely move out of the way, and those who barge through regardless.

Which are you?
( Noeli overtheshoulderboulderholderthingstraplatchboobs, Wed 29 Apr 2009, 8:47, 12 replies, latest was 16 years ago)

I am
someone who will move out of the way IF I get a sign that someone wants to get through and is polite about it.

If someone is a cunt and is just shoving through - I stand my ground. I usually get knocked over but I refuse to move out of politeness for someone who can't be arsed saying "excuse me" or "sorry" or even nod and smile!

If theyre not a cunt - I'll usually move out of the way immediately with an apology and a smile.
(Poppet some assembly required., Wed 29 Apr 2009, 8:51, Reply)

Try it in a field with thousands of other people
Almost noone is polite :(
( Noeli overtheshoulderboulderholderthingstraplatchboobs, Wed 29 Apr 2009, 8:53, Reply)

ahaha I'd probably
end up being called a cunt myself. But I'd still do it.

I'm well stubborn when something shits me I am. :D
(Poppet some assembly required., Wed 29 Apr 2009, 8:55, Reply)

Surely there's 4 types of people
Either you get out of the way or you don't; and either you walk round or you walk through. 4 combinations.
( The Light in Chains don't touch the Pope's boner, Wed 29 Apr 2009, 8:55, Reply)

Can open, worms everywhere!
There's also that awkward moment when two people both decide to get out of the way IN THE SAME DIRECTION and there's confused shuffling of feet sideways, facing each other, until someone breaks the pattern and stops. If both people stop at the same time, the whole process is dangerously close to starting again.

Edit: Light, I think you're talking about the same thing there matey. If you don't move out of the way you walk through, and if you do get out of the way you walk round.
( Noeli overtheshoulderboulderholderthingstraplatchboobs, Wed 29 Apr 2009, 8:59, Reply)

I generally move out of the way
Then give scalding looks if they don't say thanks.

And I sometimes deliberately do that thing where you both go the same way repeatedly. It's fun.
(PenguinOfDeath is Scottish, and most likely angry, Wed 29 Apr 2009, 9:23, Reply)

Maybe, maybe not
There might be people who get out of the way and barge through because they think the other person will be the same. Similarly with those who don't move and walk round.
( The Light in Chains don't touch the Pope's boner, Wed 29 Apr 2009, 9:26, Reply)

i do a few festivals in the summer
and did an experiment involving three of us , the least bumped into was the person who walked through the crowd with her hands and arms straight up in the classic surrender position , other two conditions were folded arms and hands in pockets , all subjects were fully pissed
( horace wimp needs more than 49 characters to fully express hi, Wed 29 Apr 2009, 9:28, Reply)

Exaggerated bodyswerves.
Accompanied by a shout of "whoops nearly got me there!" I treat it as something of a sport.
(porkylips looks better as the sun goes down., Wed 29 Apr 2009, 9:30, Reply)

the sideways shuffle
I once had a man who I was shuffling with. We both stopped so then he took my hands and danced around me. Then he said "Thank's for the dance have a good day!"

Can he have his own catergory because he was awesome :D
( TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Wed 29 Apr 2009, 9:56, Reply)

I often find
that looking determined will get me across a room/field much quicker than trying to shuffle past people. Guess it's just psychological.
(Shippy likes linebreaks and doesn't care what you think, Wed 29 Apr 2009, 10:04, Reply)

In my experience...
...all the 'walk right into / over you' people live in Bath.

Oh, and a small splinter group seem to have moved to Clifton as well.
(Apathyman Prepare to be underwhelmed..., Wed 29 Apr 2009, 12:30, Reply)