May 13, 2015 3 min read

Q. Last week, my husband and I were able to secure tickets to a movie that had been sold out for several weeks. We looked forward to a nice evening until the lady with the popcorn and icy drink sat next to me. As soon as the movie started, she began to chomp and crunch on the popcorn, rattle the paper bag and jiggle the soda, over and over. I tried moving away as much as possible, but it didn’t help. Because the theater was so dark, I couldn’t tell whether there were other seats available. I was stuck.

Very quietly, I asked her whether she was going to be finished eating soon, because the racket was very annoying. She said she likes to eat popcorn at the movies. Afterward, my husband told me I was rude and that eating during a movie should be allowed.

I didn’t expect to be “right,” but am I wrong to expect courtesy from those around me? Why can’t people enjoy their treats without disturbing everyone else? What do you say, Annie? – Chomping in Florida

A. It is customary for people to eat popcorn and other snacks during a movie. But it is also incumbent on those in attendance not to be an annoyance to the people around them. Crunchy stuff should be chewed quietly. No one needs to swish ice around in the cup. Your best bet would have been to find an usher and ask for help locating another seat, but these days, ushers are hard to come by. You also could have complained to the manager after the movie, which would not have changed the annoyance, but may have garnered you a comped ticket.

We know there are folks who believe they are entitled to behave however they wish, giving no thought to anyone else. Those are the same people who would be the first to complain were they on the receiving end of such rudeness. In public places, one has an obligation to be considerate. It is selfish to do otherwise.

Dear Annie: I am writing about “M.W.,” the retired teacher who didn’t want to go to Florida. I do not believe there was a writing campaign from The Villages. We don’t need to organize. We Villagers are 102,000 strong and still growing.

When my husband retired 22 years ago, he wanted to move to Florida, and that was the last place I wanted to be. It was hot, unfamiliar and far from family. I had no interest in fishing, golf or crafts. I was ready to leave my husband there and see him only in the winter.

Well, we finally happened upon The Villages and fell in love. There are all price ranges available, and my addicted golfing friends tell me the golfing is amazing. But there is something for everyone: more clubs than you can imagine, a wonderful philharmonic orchestra, choral groups and other musical venues, as well as numerous opportunities for volunteering. I am a guardian ad litem working with teens in group homes, and I love it. I found the calling I didn’t know I had. We thrive on helping others here. The Villages is a wonderland for adults. – A Happy Villager

Email questions to anniesmailbox@creators.com, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254