If I’m the one passing through, I’ll probably say something similar because it feels awkward to encroach on another person’s space without making some kind of acknowledgement first. Might not see/hear me approaching in case they’re comparing labels or absorbed in some other task. I don’t like being surprised and try not to surprise other people.
I think they’re showing that fixed-width VLC in a wheelchair leans to the side when being passed, even though it doesn’t change their physical footprint. But otherwise I do agree with you.
I get that, just meant to address it from the perspective of the one walking by. The lean isn’t necessary (but can make the situation more navigable if it’s a narrow aisle and a bulky person) and everyone involved presumably understands that the chair width isn’t changing. All part of the social dance so even when the space occupied barely changes, both sides feel that they’ve done something to contribute.
Also brings to mind sitting in the aisle seat in an airplane while people are moving through the cabin. I’ll lean in a little too so they’ve got the extra clearance and don’t have to think about making contact. For all I know, they don’t have any problem with a little unintentional bumping and brushing in that context but giving room accommodates for people who do find it uncomfortable.
In either case, the balancing act is trying not to make the movements exaggerated like I feel repulsed by the other person but that’s probably over-analyzing the situation and there’s enough of that in my reply already.
I say it so they know not to reach out to the sides while I’m passing when there isn’t a lot of room. Same with standing people in narrow aisles, just letting them know so we don’t bump into each other.
If I’m the one passing through, I’ll probably say something similar because it feels awkward to encroach on another person’s space without making some kind of acknowledgement first. Might not see/hear me approaching in case they’re comparing labels or absorbed in some other task. I don’t like being surprised and try not to surprise other people.
I think they’re showing that fixed-width VLC in a wheelchair leans to the side when being passed, even though it doesn’t change their physical footprint. But otherwise I do agree with you.
I get that, just meant to address it from the perspective of the one walking by. The lean isn’t necessary (but can make the situation more navigable if it’s a narrow aisle and a bulky person) and everyone involved presumably understands that the chair width isn’t changing. All part of the social dance so even when the space occupied barely changes, both sides feel that they’ve done something to contribute.
Also brings to mind sitting in the aisle seat in an airplane while people are moving through the cabin. I’ll lean in a little too so they’ve got the extra clearance and don’t have to think about making contact. For all I know, they don’t have any problem with a little unintentional bumping and brushing in that context but giving room accommodates for people who do find it uncomfortable.
In either case, the balancing act is trying not to make the movements exaggerated like I feel repulsed by the other person but that’s probably over-analyzing the situation and there’s enough of that in my reply already.
I say it so they know not to reach out to the sides while I’m passing when there isn’t a lot of room. Same with standing people in narrow aisles, just letting them know so we don’t bump into each other.
Correct. It’s courtesy, not needing more physical space.