DEAR HARRIETTE: I have back issues and cannot sit for long periods of time. I usually get up to walk every hour to go to the restroom or just to see the weather outside, and then I go back to my seat. I'm afraid constantly getting up is rude when I am at a restaurant or in a movie theater. Should I be explaining why I am standing up, or is “excuse me” enough to be polite? -- Strolling, Brooklyn, New York
DEAR STROLLING: Guess what? Everybody should get up and walk around at least a little bit every hour. The electronic watches and exercise counters that are so popular right now buzz to remind wearers to get up, stretch and move. It is also true that if you find yourself at a computer for hours on end, you should make sure your seat is configured properly for your body and that you get up and stretch and stop typing every 20 minutes.
You do not need to explain to anyone why you are standing unless you feel the urge to invite the person to stand with you. You are making smart choices for your body. Continue to do so.
To make your standing and moving easier on the people surrounding you, do your best to position yourself at the end of the row in a movie theater. At a restaurant, don’t allow yourself to be boxed in. Choose a corner or outside seat so that you don’t disturb others when you get up.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)