I was at the front door enjoying the last echoes of summer agreeably taunting me through the screen.
Thinking about nothing in particular and gathering my wits such as they are, I noticed a fine neighbour walking up the sidewalk with his canine pal, no doubt out for their daybreak constitutional.
Raising my coffee in anticipation of declaring a cheery, “Good morning, Dr. K!”, it suddenly occurred to me that, perchance, I should forgo the customary greeting.
Diplomacy, etiquette and good manners are terms often used interchangeably, but each have their distinctive role in the equivocal art of communication and social theatre.
Diplomatic language allows us to rattle our sabres at one another without actually rattling our sabres.
Etiquette is useful in distinguishing the finger bowl from the claret glass and that the napkin is best not used as a hanky.
And manners? These are nebulous concepts that as children we were constantly admonished to mind but had to decipher what that meant, usually the hard way.
So, what caused my unusual exercise of reticence?
Well, just as the pair drew abreast of me the good doctor’s four-legged buddy assumed the classic pose.
Inside, our doggie friends will do everything in their power not to disgrace themselves and break the covenant. Outside, there is no hesitation.
Crossing a busy intersection. Too bad — now! Getting knighted by the Queen. Too bad — now!
This is wondrously juxtaposed by their serene, philosophical expression while letting nature take its course. This serenity is often contrary to their human’s clear body language of: “God I wish I lived outside of town.”
While none of this would bother my neighbour, who is quite comfortable with himself, many prefer not to be noticed in flagrante delicto – so I held my tongue.
The performance concluded with admirable efficiency and the little green bag of business swinging in counter harmony to Tony’s athletic stride, I nodded a silent salute as those two carried on with their day, grateful that I was able to make my modest contribution to community decorum.
Enjoy yourselves.
Douglas Miller lives in Greater Sudbury. A rotating stable of community members share their thoughts on anything and everything, the only criteria being that it be thought-provoking. Got something on your mind to share with readers in Greater Sudbury? Climb aboard our Soapbox and have your say. Send material or pitches to [email protected].