The Open Circle

What is the proper response to a knock on the bathroom door when you’re sitting on the toilet? Is there a response that does not result in awkwardness?
Consider the following responses:
*knock knock*

“Hello..”
“Yes?”
“I’m in here!”
“Occupied!”
“*cough*”
You can’t help but feel awkward after responding with any of the above. To help […]

I confess: when strangers ask me to watch their stuff while they’re gone, I don’t.
“Could you watch my stuff for a few minutes while I’m gone?”
Uhm, how ’bout no? (but I’ll say yes if that gives you a sense of security)
The stuff-owner might be thinking: is that really too much to ask? My thoughts […]

What I’m referring to, is the post-sneeze bless. Is there a guideline for proper “Bless you” etiquette? Do I have to mutter a “Thank you” after being blessed? Or can I just sneeze in peace? Sometimes, there is a “You’re welcome” after the “Thank you [for blessing me]”.
The post-sneeze bless is […]

Unless the person behind you is carrying cargo and can’t open the door themselves, holding doors open for people is highly inefficient, and wastes time.
Consider yourself taking your time walking to a door 10 metres away from you, and the person who is there now, decides to hold it open for you. Now you […]