Oh lord ... what's up with some people? And why can't they at least look embarrassed when they do something like that? And how come so many of them seem to cross your path?

Why, WHY, WHY???!?!?

That is just gross.

ok, a nice "Excuse me" never hurt. And for crying out loud, they do NOT have to rattle the vocal cords on the way out- let's try a silent one, all together now...

I have a firm belief that upon birthing a child you MUST read (and pass a test on) Emily Post's Book of Etiquette. This way, sooner or later, we will be living in a glorious world of manners. I'm sssooo sorry that you have to deal with these beautiful people.

i'm so terribly, terribly sorry.

My daughter who is eleven, has digestive problems, always has. She knows enough to cover her mouth, and/or if its really "rumbly", excuse hereslf for a moment to the bathroom or another room. Having said that She is not a paragon of manners, . But you know you just keep trying your best. BTW, yes I am proud of my children.

I completely agree -- my two housemates in college would just burp without apology ALL THE TIME. I would give them a hard time and try to explain how rude it was but they would just rattle off "'Tis better to burp and accept the shame than hold it in and bear the pain!" But that doesn't mean an "excuse me" wouldn't hurt. Also, the whole "pain" thing, I don't understand --- I can count on one hand the number of times I've burped in front of someone else and all three of those times I was entirely embarresed!

Oh. My. God. That is simply foul, I don't know how you do it. The southern belle in me would have just DIED!

I have to tell you that I love your blog. I am a server at an upscale restaurant and reading your posts helps me realize that it's not just me who thinks that most people are crazy and/or disgustingly rude. Thank you for making me laugh about things that I would normally poke my eyes out over. Top this: last week a man busted out his nail clippers and proceeded to clean out the gunk under his fingernails at the table with all the guests present. I tried not to slap his hand and gag.

This is a guy thing - little boys try to out-gross each other with burping and farting then fall into giggles. The person in your office never grew up and learned that in polite society this is not done. Exception is when it is an accident then an "excuse me" is offered.

OK, we all burp but saying excuse me (or I say bless me because sometimes it does worry one when they come out so unceremoniously) is not so hard. You coulda tried a bit harder to make him feel like an ass.
Also: there is NO universal code of conduct. There never will be. It is unfortunate but there you are.

There's a woman in my office who does that - and somehow, *somehow* I end up sitting next to her at EVERY SINGLE staff meeting. It's so gross! Especially the waft of air that follows.

He must have been expressing his gastronomic delight. Give me the introverted approach any day!