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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

It’s Bad Manners To Leave You Alone

Ann Landers Creators Syndicate

Dear Ann Landers: “Nick” and I are middle-aged and have been in an enjoyable relationship for three years. We spend a lot of time together, and both of us love to dance. He is a fabulous dancer. I am just so-so, but he makes me look good.

Nick and I have developed a rather unique dance style, and we are considered one of the best couples on the floor. Not surprisingly, some of the single women who frequent the ballroom like to dance with Nick. Often, a woman will approach our table and say to Nick, “I would love to dance with you. How about it?”

Nick and I have different opinions about how to respond to these women. I say they are rude and intrusive and their behavior is socially unacceptable. Nick feels that if he refuses to dance with them, he is being impolite. What do you say, Ann? - Sitting It Out in Little Rock

Dear Little Rock: While Nick is dancing with these women, what are you doing? Sitting alone, twiddling your thumbs?

If a woman wants to trade partners for a single dance, I see nothing wrong with that. But for Nick to leave you sitting alone while he dances with whomever comes up to him is, in my opinion, very bad manners. You should let him know in no uncertain terms that you will not tolerate it.

Dear Ann Landers: What is this world coming to? If I sound like some really old person, let me tell you I am a 17-year-old high school student who lives in Tampa, Fla. When I heard on the radio that an 80-year-old woman was kicked off a Greyhound bus at an Ocala, Fla., truck stop at 3 in the morning - carrying her puppy under her arm - I got so mad, I couldn’t see straight.

This elderly lady, with failing hearing and poor eyesight, leaning on a crutch, said she wasn’t aware that Greyhound did not allow pets on the bus. She was told to get off and was left stranded in the middle of nowhere.

Please, Ann, check into this and let me know what happened. I was up half the night worrying about her. - A Concerned Teenager

Dear Concerned Teen: How thoughtful of you to inquire. All’s well that ends well, and this incident certainly did end on a high note. This is what happened:

A security guard at the truck stop in Ocala called the Marion County sheriff, and deputies from five surrounding counties took charge. They were appalled and embarrassed at the way that elderly woman had been treated.

The deputies calmed her and gave her a sandwich and something to drink. The woman rode in five different police cars, switching in various cities as they transported her from one county to another - and finally home. When the last deputy walked her to her own front door, she said, “Thank you. I didn’t know there were so many wonderful people in the world.” The next day, she received a bouquet of roses from the Hillsborough County sheriff’s communications squad in Tampa that helped coordinate her trip home.

The bus driver who left her at the truck stop has been relieved of duty pending an investigation. When the woman heard this, she said, “I hope that bus driver doesn’t lose his job on account of me.”

Meanwhile, you will be pleased to know that the woman is going to receive an apology from Greyhound and a coupon for future travel. I hope it’s a lifetime pass. She deserves no less.

Gem of the Day (Credit Carlos Conway in Florida): Inflation hasn’t ruined everything. A dime can still be used as a screwdriver.