A few weeks ago Nikki and I took the chance to go to a late-night movie at Harbor View Grande in North Suffolk. Along with a few hundred of our new, closest friends, we crammed into the theater to watch the newly released film (name of chick flick redacted to protect the innocent).

Nikki and I waited patiently to go through the ticket line and carefully picked out our two seats. Then I, as the good husband I try to be, went back to the lobby to pick up a few concessions.

Again, dozens of my newest colleagues (otherwise known as other husbands and boyfriends) joined me to choose from the veritable bounty that was presented before us. There were hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy and water from which to choose.

And, as I stood there, I thought just how many of those available items that really should not be offered and seemed out of place in an environment where courtesy and quiet are important guidelines.

There’s the candy, wrapped in quite possibly the loudest plastic available. Then there are nachos, which, left alone in the proper setting, are fantastic. But, the crunch and dripping cheese would probably be better served at home or a restaurant.

I also have similar feelings about popcorn. I believe popcorn should be served — and served alone — in a movie theater. That’s its environment and where it seems to both smell and taste the best.

So, after completing my purchase (of both tasty and relatively quiet items), I again made my way back to the seats for the movie.

Sitting next to us was a young man — no more than 12 — who appeared to be on a mass pre-teen date with a few of his other friends, including friends who were girls, and some adults.

He looked a little out of sorts, sitting there next to a nice young lady. He was sitting squarely in his seat looking as if he had trouble coming up with things to say. In fact, he looked like every other guy on a nervous first date.

Noticing an opportunity, I leaned over to him and asked, “Are you at this movie by your choice or someone else’s choice?” He responded, “someone else’s.” “Me too,” I replied.

I took my time and looked at him again and said, “That’s OK. We have to do that sometimes.”

He didn’t understand fully, but he will someday.

TIM REEVES is the editor of the Suffolk News-Herald. He can be reached at 757.934.9611 or at tim.reeves@suffolknewsherald.com