Travelers Should Wear Pants

Mrs. Grundy Thinks Moderns should heed even the thinnest of voices calling for decorum in any situation. To wit: airplane travel.

A government official’s suggestion that Moderns might behave better if they dressed up when traveling on an airplane was met with guffaws. Mrs. Grundy did not laugh. She agrees that wearing a collared shirt or favorite blouse might make one less enthusiastic for fisticuffs in a crowded airplane cabin.

Others took the suggestion as transgressing on Moderns’ seemingly sacred right to dress comfortably in all situations. Mrs. Grundy does appreciate comfort, yet also observes there is more comfort and prestige – and likely safety – in dignified dress and decorum.

During a recent journey, she awaited departure with her queen’s handbag firmly on her lap. She marveled at Moderns wearing capacious sweatpants and furry scuffs. She charitably assumed they simply had insufficient time to change out of their sleep and athletic wear. 

When Mrs. Grundy asked one young miss if the press of time had indeed determined her wardrobe, she responded with an odd stare and profanity.  

Undeterred, Mrs. Grundy was certain other travelers would appreciate her dedication to dignified and safe air travel. 

Once seated in her prime aisle seat, she offered Keen Observations as passengers ventured by.  She suggested most children over the age of 10 can wear pants as easily as pajamas. She remarked that only men well-acquainted with a pedicurist should wear sandals. 

Mrs. Grundy complimented her seat mate, sotto voce, on her willingness to wear a garish sweater that was clearly a gift from someone with questionable taste.  

The woman requested a new seat. Mrs. Grundy did not mean to offend. She did not dwell long, however, but hurried to welcome her new seatmate: a young gentleman with a crisp shirt tucked into sharply-creased gray slacks. 

In his bewildered response to her enthusiastic greeting, Mrs. Grundy saw a meeting of like minds. Indeed.