First let me say - I'm totally on the same page with all examples listed here - especially the flossing - ew! Now, let me pose a question related to this topic. I've inherited an issue from the women on my mom's side of the family that can only be referred to as some sort of chronic post-nasal drip. Although it sounds gross, it's basically an almost constant drippy nose. Just a little clear drip... which requires that I always carry klenex. Now, I KNOW it is not polite to blow one's nose in public, but what about wiping your nose?

Frankly, with my little drip problem, if I were to go to the restroom every time I needed to wipe my nose - I'd never leave. And I am TOTALLY against the type of sinus-clearing blows that I hear from some people in public - yuck!

So what about my situation? To wipe or not to wipe - that is the question. THANKS!!

Perhaps it's generational...I just don't get irritated my most of this. Flossing, makeup applying, contact adjusting, nail clipping. I can see how it's sometimes awkward (i.e. I can't imagine doing most of this in a nice restaurant). But I just don't see how it's alway inappropriate, especially in places like a subway or grocery store.

I just encountered this yesterday - a guy sat down next to me on the subway and started flossing his teeth. It was so overwhelmingly disgusting to me! I know that this may be a prudish statement, but I really feel that anything that falls under the header of "bathroom activity" - flossing, nail clipping, etc - should stay in the bathroom. I'm less grossed out by makeup application and contact adjustment, but it's still annoying when I'm being elbowed in the jaw by someone putting on her mascara.

Using a toothpick in public, flossing (gag me!), it all bugs me but not because I'm uncool or old school but because I believe in showing respect to others and I don't believe these things are respectful. It's no different than passing gas or belching in public - it's showing gross disrespect for those around you.

Which leads me to ask... I'd love your thoughts.... how comfortable are you around public breastfeeding in cafes and such? I'm uncomfortable around this when it's not done modestly. I once saw a woman remove her entire breast (last Autumn actually) and flop her entire breast over her t-shirt for the baby to feed on, in the middle of a cafe, while everyone else sat around oblivious and zoned out on their crackberrys... and me, I was nearly gasping for air because it made me so incredibly uncomfortable. I couldn't even finish my sandwich - I bolted for the door!

Your thoughts?