Buzz Off

Dear Alisa and Gina,

I was on a New York bound train the other day. It was just after rush hour so it wasn’t full, but it certainly wasn’t empty either. About 10 minutes into the ride I heard a buzzing sound and when I turned around I saw a man shaving. This was a middle-aged man, in business causal attire. Clearly he must have been running late, or perhaps this is his daily ritual? I started to imagine what might be next and I fled to the next car. Should I have said something? - Appalled

I’m amazed by how willing people are to publicly attend to what used to be private and personal, whether it’s their make up, hygiene, attire or conversations. It’s as if they are in a bubble. I’m not sure why this behavior has evolved; it’s certainly not connected to age or any other demographic I can see. Perhaps it’s just a symptom of more people in tight space? I can think of lots of snappy remarks – many of which would probably provoke an argument. And those are better not said. However, it is possible that the person really doesn’t have a clue, so if you can say something that comes from a place of good intention, it might be a time to speak up. But since I can’t even imagine what that phrase is, just be grateful there was a place to move to. ~Alisa

Tell the conductor that the bees are finally back, and point in the direction of the buzzing. ~ Gina