Originally Posted by
Seat 2A
There was no physical attack, just a glare.
It was a bit sinister looking ... almost spooky. Maybe he spent his life practicing.
Originally Posted by
Seat 2A
I think there are ways of making such a request that are polite and direct but not confrontational. While the OP had every cause to be supremely offended, his initial response (assuming the verbatim account of it was accurate) may have contributed somewhat to the cougher's response. That is to say that addressing anyone other than a teenager with "Dude" might tend to raise a few hackles. I also wouldn't have said "you need to" but rather would have rephrased this as a request. "Please" would have been employed at some point.
Point taken. The 'dude' part is accurate, but was more of a reaction -- I could feel the stuff coming my way. I think if it were in a sitting position during the flight (which could have happened while I was sleeping a bit for all I know) I may have been a little more diplomatic.
Originally Posted by
Seat 2A
Politely addressing such behavior - especially when you're going to have to sit next to this person for 2-3 hours or longer - is worthwhile. While you might not change the cougher's behavior over the long term, you might change it at least for the short term. The risk is minimal while the reward is significant.
After all, the cougher is a human being.
In retrospect, probably the public shaming was the worst part for him.