[Villages PL]

About a week ago there was a lettler to the editor complaining about men wearing hats in restaurants. Now, today, there's another letter chiming in, thanking the previous letter writer. They both see it as a lack of etiquette.

What they fail to realize is that this is a retirement community full of older people. This is not the place where they grew up surrounded by younger folks. There may be many reasons why older men wear hats in restaurants.

I think the most important reason would be because of the cold air conditioning dumping cold air on bald heads (or thinning hair). I'm lucky to have a full head of hair but it's getting a little thin on top. If I happen to be seated under a cold air vent, I might wear my hat too.

Elderly people often develop "cold air sensitivity." Especially if they happen to be dehydrated, and many do get dehydraded.

Another reason could be forgetfulness. The last time I went out to eat I had my hat on for about 5 or 10 minutes before I realized it and took it off.

Let's face reality, we are not getting any younger!

Give us old men a break.

[784caroline]

How about after a game of golf their hair is messed up and they have no comb!!

[Carl in Tampa]

And there may be no place to conveniently put their hat; not to mention the likelihood that if they take it off they will forget and leave it behind.

The only time I ever wore a hat at the table, especially when eating out, was in Texas where I was wearing a cowboy hat. I went into a restaurant where there were about 40 people, mostly men, and all of the men were wearing cowboy hats at the table. There was no place to hang hats in the room.

I wore my hat throughout the meal. When in Texas, do as the Texans do.

[JB in TV]

I don't buy it. Sorry. Common etiquette is hats off inside.

Men – Hats can be left on…
•Outdoors
•At athletic events (indoors or out)
•On public transportation
•In public buildings such as post offices, airports, and hotel or office lobbies
•On elevators
Men – Take hats off, including baseball caps …
•In someone's home
•At mealtimes, at the table
•While being introduced, indoors or out (unless it's frigid!)
•In a house of worship, unless a hat or head covering is required
•Indoors at work, especially in an office (unless required for the job)
•In public buildings such as a school, library, courthouse, or town hall
•In restaurants and coffee shops
•At a movie or any indoor performance
•When the national anthem is played
•When the flag of the United States passes by, as in a parade

http://www.emilypost.com/everyday-ma...ere-of-the-hat

[keithwand]

Women should wear hats and white gloves.
Well that was a nice trip back to the 50's.

[Cisco Kid]

The way it is now in The Villages. If you put your hat on a rack @ the door when you come in, it will not be there when you are ready to leave.

[gomoho]

Didn't we already have this discussion on another post???

[Cedwards38]

I know that it is common etiquette, but I really don't understand the rationale for that rule other than it's considered common etiquette. I just don't get it. I usually take mine off in restaurants, but I'm not bothered by others who choose to leave it on. Does anyone know the rationale for requiring men to remove hats in a restaurant?

[nitehawk]

Originally Posted by gomoho

Didn't we already have this discussion on another post???

I forgot

[Abster]

I'm from Virginia where many of us pride ourselves on etiquette and manners. We were all taught at a young age that you do not wear a hat in side. Period. You can leave it in your cart or car. I just assume nowadays most people don't know any better.

[DianeM]

I've always been taught that a gentleman removes his hat at the table but, when you come right down to it - does it really matter ???? If a casual Thursday night - no biggie. If a special dinner - then perhaps a hat should be removed.

[gerryann]

It's just plain old fashioned etiquette. It's almost gone, but I think it's just one of the nice things left as far as etiquette goes. If ya can't take the ole hat off, then keep it on....no one really cares. A lot of the "old fashioned" rules are disappearing....proper introductions, giving up a seat to a lady, opening the car door for a lady, (any door) , and the very biggest one is ( and I'm noticing this at the Olympics and it's really bugging me ) ......why don't these kids put there hand over there chest during the awards ceremony while singing the National Anthem????? In fact it bugs me so much that I'm gonna start a thread about it.

[justjim]

Originally Posted by Cisco Kid

The way it is now in The Villages. If you put your hat on a rack @ the door when you come in, it will not be there when you are ready to leave.

Cisco, around TV the hats that I mostly see deserve the trash can ---certainly nobody nobody would take one.

[DianeM]

Originally Posted by gerryann

It's just plain old fashioned etiquette. It's almost gone, but I think it's just one of the nice things left as far as etiquette goes. If ya can't take the ole hat off, then keep it on....no one really cares. A lot of the "old fashioned" rules are disappearing....proper introductions, giving up a seat to a lady, opening the car door for a lady, (any door) , and the very biggest one is ( and I'm noticing this at the Olympics and it's really bugging me ) ......why don't these kids put there hand over there chest during the awards ceremony while singing the National Anthem????? In fact it bugs me so much that I'm gonna start a thread about it.

To be honest - the door bit is nice but an antique. I'm capable of opening a door and holding it for a gentleman as well as vice versa.

I was taught that a man puts his hand on his chest and a woman stands at attention. I've never put my hand on my chest for the National Anthem. Just stand quietly with my hands at my sides.

[Hancle704]

What's next on this thread? Expecting everyone to stop at intersections where there is a stop sign, even if there is not a police officer in sight. Signaling when making a lane change or turning. Speeding in hopped up golf carts, shaving corners and not slowing down at intersections. Some folks expect way too much from seniors who have in their opinion, lived long enough to ignore rules and etiquette.