ANNARCHY - Latest Comments in 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

Re: 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

Surviver — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 17:54:42 -0000

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Re: 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

Buy Website Traffic — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 03:38:46 -0000

I feel the same way anne, I mean from a silent type of guy's point of view. Id rather listen to my ipod or the like. Well it really depends on the person and his/her aura. =)

Re: 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

Michelle — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:06:57 -0000

You reached inside my head and wrote down all of the things I think when I'm flying. So funny and too true!

I've had both good and uncomfortable flight-mate experiences, but the uncomfortable ones are the funniest.

Like the case of sitting next to the silver-haired Oregon hippie who spent 15 minutes fiddling in his bag on my seat while I waited to sit down, and then told me the pathetically boring story of his slacker life. Fortunately, I only was doomed to spend half of a 6-hour flight listening because then he turned to the man on his left who had been (presumably) muttering prayers using roughly hewn prayer beads and what looked like playing cards depicting scenes of human torture while sweating profusely and giving us the shifty eye. They somehow connected on slacker lifestyles and I could retreat to my book while the guy across the aisle from me gave me a sympathetic eyeroll and convulsed in fits of silent laughter.

I also sat next to enthusiastic young consultant from McKinsey who insisted on telling me every detail of his current consulting gig, despite the fact that 5 minutes into his monologue I realized -- and told him -- that he was consulting for a direct competitor of mine and really should not tell me any more. Didn't slow him down a bit.

But perhaps the most heart-sinking line to hear from the smartly dressed woman who has just plopped down next to you as you are settling in for a 3 hour flight is, "So, have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior?"

People are fascinating.

Re: 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

Scott — Sun, 24 May 2009 00:05:43 -0000

I'm very unusual, in that I prefer chatting with strangers! Since strangers don't know me, I don't have to worry about hurting my reputation or my relationships!

In high school, I discovered I had a natural talent for public speaking--I won several awards, was selected as an "Outstanding Senior" in speech, and was even elected (by juniors and seniors) to speak at Graduation! There was no public-speaking program in college, but I discovered Toastmasters International--and have won one award after another in it!

And I prefer speaking to a group of strangers (no matter how large), over conversing with a known acquaintance, friend, or relative! Even the women to whom I'm most attracted are strangers!

Re: 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

Jess Sanders — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 22:53:10 -0000

Oh my! #6 is most definitely my mother, who as we speak has The Mexican Hat Dance on her phone. Yes mom, you're so very hip ;)

I agree - I would rather forgo a potential acquaintance than risk awkward conversation. But maybe that's the issue? Could we all put ourselves out there "in real life" more, invest a bit more in people we meet face to face? Probably.

Re: 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

Keith — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:19:00 -0000

Great article! I'm not the chatting type but I met one of my dearest friends on a flight from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur. She sat next to me and we exchanged the usual pleasantries. From there, the conversation just took off and we talked almost non-stop on that 11 hour flight (via Melbourne). We wrote to each other very frequently thereafter and we've visited each other several times. I visited her in Australia last year and we had a fantastic time together.
Think it'll be hard to have a repeat experience nowadays (though...you never know) as I usually have my noise-cancelling headphones on! Great invention, by the way.

Re: 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

Anya Clowers, RN — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:05:31 -0000

Nicely written and I totally agree!

Since I usually am flying with my 4 year old (who was recently an infant/toddler) I do make eye contact with passengers around us, and let them know - my child is my responsibility and if a seat is kicked please let me know if I miss it. But then with my son seated at the window, my back is usually the outer "wall" of our private cube on the plane.

I've noticed most "talkers" are not frequent fliers and talk out of excitement, fear, or uncertainty.

Noise canceling headphones are fabulous -for passengers of all ages - for many reasons!

And one more food to add? Tuna.

Mutual respect on planes goes a long way....

Re: 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

Gavin Heaton — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:41:56 -0000

Ok ... well I am a chatterer. Sort of. You see, anywhere I travel is going to be a long distance - probably over night. So I am going to need to be able to move around, ask questions etc of the person next to me. And the easiest way of doing this is to establish a quick relationship with the person next to you.

But I also gauge the level if interest of the other person. If we hit it off, then we can chat for hours. Otherwise it's over to the book, the inflight movie or the trusty iPod.

Re: 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

Michelle Farnum — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:00:42 -0000

I loved your article Ann, especially the legs touching and the uncomfortable silence when the talking stops. I tend to chat a bit, but never initiate it. Just sort of speak when spoken to. One thing I do like about these plane chats is the randomness of the information you get. Once I sat next to the top guy in charge of passenger safety at the FCC. I pumped him for tips and found out all different ways I can save my life. That time I didn't shut up the whole trip. Another time it turned out I was sitting next to a producer happened to be working with a close friend of a very good friend of mine. She told me that my friend (who was secretly married at the time) got a speeding ticket out in the Hamptons with another woman. She described the scene in court when the judge asked if he was married and all his playboy friends gasped when he said yes. I was one of the few people who knew about the marriage, but hadn't heard this hot-off-the-press news.
I was getting NY scoop from a total stranger on a plane from LA!

Re: 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

Michael — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:09:32 -0000

I'm the opposite, not that I seek out conversation, that's just rude. I prefer to let my seat mate set the tone for our relationship. That may explain why I'm so comfortable with social media. As a marketer I need to be able to understand many different types of people, interests, industries, etc. Flights, or train rides are a perfect place for me to do research. I've learned all kinds of fascinating things during travel that have helped me be better at what I do. I even found I liked a co-worker, but not from a co-worker standpoint.

Re: 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

chatcatcher (Chat Catcher) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 01:16:34 -0000

Twitter Comment

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Re: 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

Jim Smith — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:03:32 -0000

I am writing a book titled “Business Travel by Pros”. It is about how to travel easily, safely, and with as little stress as possible. It is not how to travel cheaply. If I see a knowledge traveler, I give him/her a business card describing what I am doing with my e-mail address. I ask for helpful hints. For example 1) Don’t put you suitcase on the floor in a hotel room, 2) Don’t put your clothes in a draw, it is dirty from others dirty laundry, 3) locate a gas station as you leave the car rental place at the airport.
If anyone wants to add to my book please send me ideas. If you want I will put your name and city next to the idea. Thanks, JIM
My e-mail address is travelbook@cinci.rr.com

Re: 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

Jim Smith — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 21:53:09 -0000

I am writing a book titled "Business Travel by Pros". It is about how to travel easily, safely, and with as little stress as possible. It is not how to travel cheaply. If I see a knowledge traveler, I give him/her a business card describing what I am doing with my e-mail address. I ask for helpful hints. For example 1) Don't put you suitcase on the floor in a hotel room, 2) Don't put your clothes in a draw, it is dirty from others dirty laundry, 3) locate a gas station as you leave the car rental place at the airport.
If anyone wants to add to my book please send me ideas. If you want I will put your name and city next to the idea. Thanks, JIM

Re: 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

rich — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:05:08 -0000

the smelly food kills me...

Re: 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

Krista Parry — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 13:58:04 -0000

You put together a great list but I do believe there is one thing you left off, "The Dog Smuggler". I had the wonderful opportunity of sitting next to one of these on my recent flight back from SXSW.

As she made her way into our aisle she kindled informed me that she had a dog but that he would not be a problem. I'm not sure if she meant the constant barking for our 2.5 hour flight or the fact that as our flight attendant was doing the safety announcement she became very upset when "The Dog Smuggler" waited for her to ask "is there a dog on here" 5 times before finally admitting to it.

I do love dogs just not yapping at me on a plane!

Re: 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

Bdot — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:18:00 -0000

Ann, Another Great post.
I rarely go out of my 3 mile radius, but when I do, and have to fly, I take somewhat of a different approach.
Instead of just being grumpy with everyone that is crowding me, I usually pick out one person waiting at the gate and point him out to whomever I’m with.
(or who ever tries to strike up a conversation with me)
“I hate that guy” is the usual response, then give him the old Bdot Hairy eyeball. (Ann, you might call it the Handley Glare)
It makes for a much more pleasant flight for the rest of the mob. (which I also hate, but they don’t know it).
All In all it makes for a much better flight for me.

@ Mack: I think you found him…….”I hate that guy”

Re: 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

paul merrill — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:28:17 -0000

I remember when I was single - crying babies always drove me crazy.

I'm older & wiser now - we traveled all the way from the Africa to the US (two 8+ hour flights) with a 1-year-old. The first leg was one of the worst nights of my life. But I'm much more tolerant of parents with babies than I used to be!

Re: 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

jnte — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:01:32 -0000

What a great post, Ann...I can totally relate! I'm silent nodder & smiler, myself.

The only time I talk to other passengers is when I ask them to put their seat back up and out of my lap because I'm "claustrophobic."

hey...whatever works!

Love the photo, too..where ever did you find it?

Well, here's to personal space...
Jo

Re: 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

Jeff Shattuck — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 03:05:15 -0000

You could write for Seinfeld! Or Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Me, I am definitely not a talker. I love plane travel for one reason: I can read uninterrupted.

But there was one time I flew to Europe and talked for HOURS to a woman roughly 60 years my senior and loved every second of it. One of the best conversations I've ever head.

Jeff

Re: 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

Mike — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 23:03:30 -0000

Great post as always Ann.... I completely agree with everything you hate about your airplane neighbors. If I could add one thing to that list it would be the person sitting behind you who insists on grabbing the back of your seat every time they stand up. Drives me crazy!

@bostonmike

Re: 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

John — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:43:55 -0000

If you don't want to chat tell them you sell life insurance. Shuts 'em up every time ;-)

Re: 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

Annie Binns — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:26:09 -0000

Let me add to your list: "People who travel with a serious illness and do not bring (a) tissue (b) cough drops (c) anything else that might protect me from whatever is flying out of your head."

I have been hacked and horked on so many times it's a wonder I've lived to tell about it.

Re: 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

kathyherrmann — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:06:45 -0000

Part of the problem with airplanes is the our seatmates are in our personal space, especially in today's cramped airplanes, so there's no escape. And while I understand the concept of it being freeing to share intimacy with total strangers, it's not something that appeals to me.

Thus, I find myself falling into the non-chat category. Let's be pleasant and acknowledge each other but let's otherwise sit together, because we must, and non-chat.

Your #5 item makes my list too!

Re: 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

Rain — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:31:21 -0000

If only they made SMELL-cancelling headphones (nose-phones?!)

I avoid talking to the person next to me on the plane at all costs. I try to not even get started, so that it won't go any further and they won't try to engage me.

My mother, on the other hand, is terrified of flying, and will engage the person next to her in conversation, whether they are willing or not. She doesn't take "no" for an answer.

Re: 10 Things I Hate About You, Travel Edition

Richard Nogging — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:54:59 -0000

I love all of the posts, very interesting. I used to travel a ton and hoped for one thing only. I wanted to be siiting next to a hottie. If I was then I would talk away and see if I could seal the deal. If it was a hepfher or a dude I closed my eyes and went to sleep.