Slobs & rude people at the pools

[duffy]

Slightly off-topic:

When my husband and I were in college, the washers and dryers were free. Often, I would take out a load of someone else's clothes from the washer and place them either on top of the machine, or in a basket so I could use it next, and so would everyone else. If I needed -a dryer, I would remove-and fold-the clothes that were in it so that I could use it next. Everyone did that, it was quite common.

My husband said that the guys, knowing the women did this in the womens' dorms, would take their clothes and put them in the washer and then come back at the end of the day. Sure enough, all their clothes would be clean, dry and folded neatly-without them having to do anything other than put them in the washer. Not that MY husband did that or anything, of course!! He told me he wouldn't do such a thing!

 

[dementia412]

This reminds me of something I read about personal responsibility. This professor studies personal responsibility and he had a theory that in our society taking responsibility for stuff that isn't officially our responsibility (picking up trash, fixing a street sign, moving some creeps stuff) is not only rarely done, but would be met with negativity and hostility.

His students didn't believe it so he had them go out and do that sort of stuff for a week, and sure enough they not only got dirty looks but had people call them slobs or thieves (because if you're picking up trash it must be your trash or you're stealing ) and even called the cops on them (for trying to fix or remove broken things). One guy told them to stop clearing gutters because that was someone else's job.These reactions are what keep most people from picking up liter or moving someone's fallen trash cans.

btw, I wouldn't wait more than five minutes to move your laundry. I also wouldn't think twice if someone removed mine. Why would that upset me? Oh no, someone touched my wet jeans!

 

[Lizziejane]

There was me thinking initially that this was just another "common sense" issue...until a handful of people proved that just about every issue or comment will be twisted into a ridiculous debate.

Perhaps some people take such offense to the notion of stuff being moved off the table to make room for someone else because they are, or have been, "absent-hoggers" themselves?!

 

[blissventure]

Perhaps some people take such offense to the notion of stuff being moved off the table to make room for someone else because they are, or have been, "absent-hoggers" themselves?!

It would appear there is a very high probability you're correct.

 

[MiaSRN62]

TheDWord ut a note saying "Sorry for taking your clothes out of the washer, but it had been in there all day and I needed to get my laundry done." Is it an aggressive move? Yes, but a warranted one.

And this is exactly what I did......I even drew a smiley face to try and show I was not trying to be mean...but REALLY deserved a chance to use the washer after 3+ hours of it being idle.

Maria

 

[mmcguire]

Several people have said that notifying a CM is the thing to do in the pool situation. But -- will the CMs actually move stuff that's been left unattended? Has anyone actually told a CM before and seen it happen? Just curious if they will really do anything.

To the person who moved the laundry -- I think moving it was perfectly acceptable. Curious how the jerk who became irate w/you even knew that you were the one who moved it? For all he knew, you came in after it was moved. That took a lot of nerve for him to jump on somebody who may have been totally innocent.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Several people have said that notifying a CM is the thing to do in the pool situation. But -- will the CMs actually move stuff that's been left unattended? Has anyone actually told a CM before and seen it happen? Just curious if they will really do anything....

Most CMs are trained to make the guest happy and to try not to be confrontational. Even when you can prove the other guest was in the wrong (i.e., pushing you out of the way at a parade to take over your space) CMs don't usually do much. At least that's what I've found most of the time.

BUT if multiple guests will make the same complaint as a group against a single guest, the group will more than likely win out every time.

At least that has been my observation.

I've also observed the lifeguards at Stormalong Bay being not so tolerant of bad behavior on the part of guests because they get it all the time, all day long.

 

[MiaSRN62]

mccguire :Curious how the jerk who became irate w/you even knew that you were the one who moved it? For all he knew, you came in after it was moved. That took a lot of nerve for him to jump on somebody who may have been totally innocent.

I know....I came back into the laundry room to remove my completed wash from the washer. He immediately started watching me....saw which washer I went into and asked if it was me who took his clothes out (he obviously saw it was the same washer, but honestly, three or more people could have done their wash before me in the time he was out playing or whatever he was doing). I could have said "no". But I was honest. I told him that I was sorry I had to do it but I waited for several hours and needed clean clothes. Instead of saying "sorry" to me and other he inconvenienced, he said something to me like "well I have issue with that"....stepped closer to me and said it was nervy of me or something. I felt a bit intimidated and quickly went back to my room to get my dh before putting my laundry in the dryer. When dh came back (there to support me), the man who approached me and his wife were gone.

Maria

 

[Rockmtn]

Most people who pull this kind of crap do so because they know few people will stand up to them and say something. Now that someone actually took action, maybe these self centered ignorant people will realize what they did was inappropriate/rude. Probably not though, because people like this will get pissed off that their stuff was moved and will be oblivious as to why it was moved.

Flame away as it is all these politically correct reactions and viewpoints that these people feed off of and enable them to act this way.
OP, Good work looking out for that lady and her kids.

 

[darby888]

"A confrontation is never pleasant and other people and children would have to witness an ugly scene."

"Two wrongs don't make a right. Just my opinion."

"How sad if the OP was accused of stealing something by moving the personal property of someone else. Why would anyone want to put themselves in a position like that."

"How can you say that you would be prepared for a confrontation. You couldn't possibly know how someone would respond to having their personal items moved by someone other that a person in charge."

***************
Wow, such sensitive folks...In my book, if you so so desire a spot then you'll need to be a slave to it & someone needs to stay....because if I noticed a table unoccupied for a while & I mean maybe half hour tops and that party "clearly planted items just to stake their claim". We all know the type because the don't stay around the pool (or only one person comes down to plant towels on a bunch of chairs) & they just leave and for a very long time. Don't think when it's time for lunch & we need a place to sit and eat that our family isn't going to use that table if it's crowded. I may not even move much. No worries....And I'll know how to handle it if those trying to reserve returned.

Living in fear can incapacitate someone to even minor situations.

 

[Disneyadore]

***************
Wow, such sensitive folks...In my book, if you so so desire a spot then you'll need to be a slave to it & someone needs to stay....because if I noticed a table unoccupied for a while & I mean maybe half hour tops and that party "clearly planted items just to stake their claim". We all know the type because the don't stay around the pool (or only one person comes down to plant towels on a bunch of chairs) & they just leave and for a very long time. Don't think when it's time for lunch & we need a place to sit and eat that our family isn't going to use that table if it's crowded. I may not even move much. No worries....And I'll know how to handle it if those trying to reserve returned.

Just wondering if all these sensitive folks are also chair hogger "s.

 

[duffy]

Just wondering if all these sensitive folks are also chair hogger "s.

I believe that if there is an empty chair, I can sit on it. Because I have things with me like towels, a bag, or any personal items that I do not want to swim with, I believe I should be able to place them down where they will not be in anybody's way. I place my towels, etc. on the chair, but only if there are dozens of chairs and only a few people.

If we go to a water park, it's more likely that the chair will be needed by another person while I'm playing. Usually at these places, I place our stuff UNDER the chair. That way, it's still available to me, and if someone needs the chair, they can use it.

I have often returned to my chair to find it occupied. I would say, "excuse me, may I get my stuff?" The occupant always agrees, and usually apologizes. I would then say something like I don't mind that they sat there, they have just as much right as me to the chair, and everyone is happy. I would take my stuff and go look for an empty chair to use.

 

[mcompton]

This thread has been hilarious to read! I have to agree with the majority that it is absolutely rude to leave your things in a chair to try and and "save" spots when you won't even be there. It is bad manners, period. We teach elementary school students this same thing- "no saving seats!" Seems like adults would have mastered this principle by now.

BTW- Duffy, I love your signature. I wish people would think of the kittens!

Maybe we should start a campaign that reads: Every time you leave your belongings on a chair unattended for hours, God kills a baby seal. Please save the baby seals.

 

[ols386]

OLS386 - Here is where the OP stated she was prepared for a conflict, did you not see this???

Yes, I did see it. The OP said she was PREPARED for a confrontation, not that she WANTED a confrontation. There is a big difference. (See post #47).

 

[kaffinito]

I'm glad the OP removed those peoples items. I saw a lot of chair/table savers at Poly last week, and most of them would put a few items down then walk away.

I was looking for a table myself one day, and saw a table with a bunch of towels on it and take out cups. I asked around to see if anyone was at the table and was told that no one had been there for an hour or two, so I removed the items and sat down. I needed one chair so I could read while DS swam. I didn't feel badly about it at all, why should I? It's the folks who save chairs that are being rude and inconsiderate, not me for moving the items.

Another time I had a table by the pool, again with my one chair, and left the other ones empty along with over half the table. I went to CC's to get a drink, and when I came back a woman and her daughter were at the table. She jumped up and started apologizing, but I stopped her and said I meant for someone else to come along to share and that I didn't need a whole table!

I don't see anything wrong with moving a chair or table hogs' items, and will continue to do it with no apologies. If you want the table or chair, then use it. Don't mark it off and then leave to go eat dinner, lunch, rent boats, etc. If you want it - use it, if you don't use it then don't ***** when your stuff's moved. Same goes for the laundry room. If you can see that the laundry room is busy, then out of consideration for others make sure you remove your items in a timely fashion.

 

[gogo]

This thread has been hilarious to read! I have to agree with the majority that it is absolutely rude to leave your things in a chair to try and and "save" spots when you won't even be there. It is bad manners, period. We teach elementary school students this same thing- "no saving seats!" Seems like adults would have mastered this principle by now.

BTW- Duffy, I love your signature. I wish people would think of the kittens!

Maybe we should start a campaign that reads: Every time you leave your belongings on a chair unattended for hours, God kills a baby seal. Please save the baby seals.

We also tell elementary school students not to be tattletales and busybodies. And, no I'm not a chair hog. When we go to Disney we spend the majority of times in a park and I'd rather be at an adult's only pool.

 

[Robert P]

I have no problem with MELSMICE's actions given the situation. The belongings were still treated respectfully, still left next to the table. Problem with society today is that too many people tend to "look the other way" instead of helping out their fellow man. The world is getting more and more selfish IMHO. Good for MELSMICE .

I have to agree. The items were treated well, and the original guests had much more than ample time to stop back by and at least pretend to check on their belongings. While another possible solution would have been to contact security about the abandoned items, if the people trying to 'save' the table had any common courtesy or respect for their fellow guests, this would never have happened to begin with. Good for MELSMICE.

I ran into a similar situation at one of the BW pools a few years back. No tables available, but 2 had towels stacked (appeared unused), and nobody went near those particular tables for over 3 hours (I was reading a book, the tables were in my line of sight, so I noticed). We had already found our chairs, and we were fine, but when you are trying to find space at pool, and over half the chairs and tables are taken up by unattended pool towels or a token personal item (i.e. a single plastic visor) for over 3 hours, that is nothing short of inconsiderate.

 

[MELSMICE]

Yes, I did see it. The OP said she was PREPARED for a confrontation, not that she WANTED a confrontation. There is a big difference. (See post #47).

Thank you. Yes, I was prepared for a confrontation - not looking for one. I was glad that there was not a confrontation.

 

[MELSMICE]

We also tell elementary school students not to be tattletales and busybodies. And, no I'm not a chair hog. When we go to Disney we spend the majority of times in a park and I'd rather be at an adult's only pool.

We vacation differently. We spent every day but one, due to rain, at the pool for the entire day. We'd arrive at around 9:30-10 a.m. & started heading back to the room for showers around 4 p.m.

Considering we spend most of our time at the pools I notice a lot of what is going on. I spend most of the day reading, but occasionally take a break & notice what's going on around me.

We were at the main pool at OKW. There is no adults only pool. There are "quiet or quieter pools". I've stayed at almost all the WDW resorts & I don't think any WDW resort has an adults only pool. (someone correct me if I'm wrong).

 

[kaffinito]

We also tell elementary school students not to be tattletales and busybodies. And, no I'm not a chair hog. When we go to Disney we spend the majority of times in a park and I'd rather be at an adult's only pool.

Good luck finding an "adults only" pool at WDW!

We spend every afternoon at the pools. Some days we're there for three or four hours, so we too vacation differently. If everyone took the attitude that "it's not my problem" of "it's not my business" imagine what things would be like then?

If no one takes a stand or does something, then you are giving tacit permission for the rude and inconsiderate people to flourish. If you really feel that way, then don't complain when it's your turn to find a chair or to do laundry and you are unable to.