Fishing in nostrils

Now picking one’s nose can seem the most natural thing to do when one feels uncomfortable or has an itchy sensation in that area. There is nothing wrong with removing the offending speck or whatever it is.

Saturday, September 26, 2009
Nasty habit

Now picking one’s nose can seem the most natural thing to do when one feels uncomfortable or has an itchy sensation in that area. There is nothing wrong with removing the offending speck or whatever it is.

But it is wrong when you do it with unrestrained aplomb, especially in full view of people. It is even worse when you seem to be enjoying it.

I had the unfortunate experience of witnessing a smartly dressed man pick his nose with such poise it seemed like the most natural thing on earth.

He stuck his middle finger deep into his left nostril where it stayed for not less than 10 seconds. He then brought it out and minutely surveyed whatever it had come out with. He shook it off and the same finger delved into his nose again.

It took longer up there this time and when it did eventually come out, it went through the same rigorous surveying.
To my horror he removed a handkerchief and blew his nose.

I wondered why he had not used the hanky in the first place. It would have spared us the nausea and horror he caused us as we watched him fish in his nostrils. How can someone do this with such abandon and without a tinge of embarrassment?

It is a bit acceptable for kids to pick their noses until they learn better manners.

To them it is an instinctive thing. But when an unashamed grown up does it, it is not only disgusting but downright rude. Shame on all those who, unashamedly, do this in taxis, lifts and queues.

A handkerchief on the streets would cost a paltry sum of frw200. Surely many can afford this, the economic crunch notwithstanding.  

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