Etiquette for ride-hailing app

Dear Annie: A truck with an attached trailer lost control and smashed into my sedan. Luckily, everyone was OK. However, my car is currently in the shop for major repairs. I decided to forgo getting a rental. Instead, my insurance is covering the cost of ride-hailing services. My son introduced me to some apps, and I’ve been using them a few days a week.

Most drivers have been very pleasant. However, I am perplexed by the etiquette. Sometimes the driver will motion for me to sit up front. Sometimes I get no acknowledgment until I’m already climbing in the back of the car. Sometimes I open the front door and there’s a bag in the way. Sometimes the driver is chatty when I’m in no mood to chat; I don’t want to be rude, so I’ll exchange some small talk. Sometimes I’d like to talk but the driver seems to want quiet. My son says this is all normal, but I’m tired of feeling anxious in the cars. Are there ways to show that I’m interested in talking or not? New to Ride-Hailing

Dear New to Ride-Hailing: Opting for the front seat indicates that you’d like to chat, whereas sitting in the back seat says you’d like to be left alone. If your driver is chatty and you don’t feel like talking, be cordial but keep your responses short and the driver will get the hint.

A bag or something else on the passenger seat typically means that the driver would prefer you to sit in the back. But don’t worry if you miss that cue. As long as you’re polite, sober and waiting at the designated pickup location, your driver will be happy.

Dear Annie: This is in response to “Can’t Go Barefoot on My Own Lawn.” I have a solution for the problem of dogs doing their business on the lawn. I live in Hawaii, and I’ve seen this used for 40 years. You get a large glass jar; the kind that mayonnaise comes in works well, but any glass jar will do. Take off the label. Fill the jar with clear water. Put the top on, and put it on your lawn. Anywhere is fine. One jar will work for a small lawn. Use two or three for a large lawn.

Dogs get spooked by the jars of water and will not sully the grass. They just won’t go.

If you drive around Hilo, Hawaii, you see water jars on lawns. Sounds weird, but “Can’t Go Barefoot” should give it a try.

Dennis in Hawaii

Dear Dennis: If this works, you will be a hero to beleaguered lawn owners the world over. I would love to hear from any readers who try this.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators .com.