Obviously your boss made a serious faux pax. A. It may have been deliberate or one of those short sighted decisions we all make. B. your friend may or may not have taken offense. What truly matters here is C. which is you. Manners, respect, civility- what used to be the mark of a gentleman or lady regardless of social 'station' has been nearly overwhelmed by the goosestepping of slobs in athletic shoes made by sweatshop labour. During my very brief european visit I was on the transit in Vienna. I was standing up. An elderly man @ 80 boarded. Immediately a women @ 50 yielded her seat, upon which a man @ 30 gave her his. Not one, but two kids in Punker regalia rose and offered their places to the man and myself. Now if you can see everyone with that equal respect and humility you will be known as a gentleman to all who understand it's true meaning. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />