Dear Readers,
Autumn is right around the corner and while some of us might still be enjoying the last rays of the Indian summer, hot, scorching days will soon be replaced by dropping temperatures and, well… rain.
After reading the headline, you might wonder - is there even such a thing as umbrella etiquette? But trust me, those with a poked eye or a slip on a wet floor could tell you plenty of stories.
In today’s newsletter, I’m sharing 3 etiquette tips to keep in mind when shielding yourself from the typical rainy autumn weather.
1. THE STREET IS TRAFFIC
Depending on where you live, pavements might be wide and spacious, or narrow, historic, and lined with cobblestones. In the latter case, when two people pass each other with umbrellas, a clash is almost inevitable.
There’s no strict rule here, but common courtesy applies. If you see someone approaching, scoot a little to the side to make room. Bonus points if you lift your umbrella slightly to avoid an awkward collision of spokes.
2. UMBRELLA AS A WEAPON
The invention of the spring-loaded automatic umbrella certainly made life easier… unless you happened to be standing nearby when one opened.
Rain can catch us off guard in the middle of a walk or morning commute. While it’s wise to keep an umbrella handy, always open and close it with care. Shield it away from others and point it in a safe direction - that way, you’ll stay dry without endangering anyone else’s body parts.
3. THE WATER PUDDLE ISSUE
Umbrellas are designed to repel water, which means they don’t absorb it - they drip it. When set aside, the runoff inevitably creates a puddle, big or small depending on the downpour.
To avoid slippery accidents (and annoyed coworkers, friends or family), place wet umbrellas in a designated stand or container, where the water can drip safely away. Otherwise, you risk turning the floor into a slip-and-slide.
Umbrellas are simple tools, but they come with responsibilities. By being mindful of space, careful when opening, and considerate about where the water goes, you can turn a rainy day into a smoother experience for everyone.
So the next time autumn showers arrive, remember: good umbrella etiquette isn’t just about keeping yourself dry - it’s about keeping others safe too.
Happy autumn!
Yours sincerely,
Katarina
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