Brian Kateman: Dear fellow cafe goers, please don’t ask me to watch your laptop. - NBCNewsTHINK
cofounder and president of the Reducetarian Foundation and professor of environmental science and sustainability
Presumably, if you’re worried about the security of your laptop, you believe a stranger might steal it. But what’s to say the person you ask to watch your table isn’t a thief themselves? Hear me out — I understand that cafes, especially those that function as coworking spaces, have certain unspoken rules and norms. Among them are don’t hog four chairs if you need only one and don’t chat loudly on a cellphone while those around you are reading. I’m in favor of social norms when they are rational and useful, but I implore cafe society: Please abandon the ones that are irrational and disruptive.
Some may say it helps foster a sense of community and neighborliness. But does asking a stranger to watch your laptop or any other pricey gadget while you disappear into the restroom really do that?
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Review: ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ is back in Chicago in top form, still asking tough questions“‘Dear Evan Hansen’ remains an important musical because of the originality of its thought, the strength of its score, and its ability to hit such a chord with audiences,” writes Tribune critic ChrisJonesTrib.
Read more »
Opinion | Dear America: Sanctions Don't Solve Problems'Instead of persuading authoritarian and aggressive leaders to change their ways, broad sanctions have reinforced anti-democratic tendencies and incentivized nuclear and other proliferation.'
Read more »
It’s Time To Normalize Asking Friends and Family if They’ve Been Sick Recently Before Hanging OutIf you feel anxious about hanging out with people who are sick, it can be uncomfortable to ask. Here's what experts say.
Read more »
Dear Abby: My half-sister hates meDear Abby advises a woman who is attempting to forge a relationship with her half-sister and a woman contemplating buying a house from her friend.
Read more »
Dear Abby: My wife left me for my best manDear Abby writes advice to a man who is still in love with his ex-wife and a parent who is sickened by her son’s dirty apartment.
Read more »
Dear Abby: Man is ‘crushed’ to learn his ex-wife is seeing his ex-best friendI have been trying to reconcile with her because she is the love of my life and I want our family to be together.
Read more »