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Individuals who drive cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc. are legally required to have licenses and follow certain laws while operating their vehicles on the roads, though it’s not uncommon to see drivers break those laws. Somewhat similarly, while there are also rules and expectations for people who use tracks and trails available to the public for exercise purposes, there are certainly users who treat such guidelines as mere suggestions that don’t necessarily pertain to them.

Such neglect of standard operating procedures can lead to frustration for many runners throughout the local community. Dallas-area resident Carolyn Macduff Levanway often runs at public tracks, including Dallas’ Germany Park, and she believes that it’s important for track users to follow proper etiquette to be considerate to those around them.

“The most important rule is this: If you’re walking, stick to the outside lanes,” she said. “If you see someone running at a faster pace than you, please move to an outer lane and give them the inner lane.”

When Macduff Levanway encounters such situations with walkers in what are considered the faster lanes, she said she typically runs around them and doesn’t say anything, though she is considering changing her tactics.

“I need to start shouting ‘runner coming through in lane 1, 2, 3, etc.’ so that they can move to an outer lane,” she said. “I don’t feel it’s right for me to run around them and have them get in the way of future runners on the track.”

Dallas-area resident JT Gordon, who also trains often on the track, said a common strategy is to yell “track” if you are running at a faster pace as part of a workout and someone crosses into or is walking in the inner lane. However, he said doing so might be too “old school” for some individuals, so his response is much like Macduff Levanway’s.

“I usually just run around them, unless it’s a dangerous situation where someone might get hurt,” he said. “For instance, if someone is consistently letting children cross or play in lane 1, I’ll talk to the parents.”

Macduff Levanway is also a frequenter of the Katy Trail, which is a well-loved piece of the city and can often get rather congested, especially on nicer days. She noted how important it is for trail users not to crowd an entire side, even when enjoying the outdoors with others.

“If you’re walking with friends, please don’t take up half of the trail,” she said. “It makes it very hard for others to pass or safely run, period. Another rule is that if you need to cross to another side of the trail for any reason, please look behind you before crossing. I’ve seen people almost get hit by cyclists, dogs, and other runners because they didn’t look to make sure it was safe to cross.”

Friends of the Katy Trail Director of Operations Bree Redwine said safety is vital on the trail, and she and her team make concerted efforts to effectively remind all users to observe proper trail etiquette to create a safe and pleasant experience for everyone.

“By following some basic rules and Katy Trail etiquette, everyone can enjoy the Katy Trail, whether running, walking with friends, or taking a stroll to clear your mind,” she said. “Simple rules for all to follow help maintain this atmosphere. We work hard to implement these measures and have even hired private security to assist in managing this process and ensure that the trail remains a safe and welcoming environment for all users.”

Additional specific information and etiquette (such as keeping to the right of the path, obeying the 10 mph speed limit, not using motorized vehicles, etc.) for the Katy Trail can be found on its website. There are a variety of organized groups that regularly meet to run and walk on the trail, and Redwine said it’s essential for the group leaders to provide information pertaining to basic trail procedures, such as no more than two people side by side, as part of the training or guidance in order to ensure a safe and harmonious experience for group participants and other trail users.

“It is necessary that leaders emphasize the importance of maintaining awareness of one’s surroundings as well as adhering to established etiquette on shared paths,” she said. “This not only promotes safety but also enhances the enjoyment of everyone using these spaces.”

Redwine said it would be beneficial if group leaders periodically reviewed expectations and practices with their teams and encouraged participant feedback to help consistently improve the group’s conduct.

“This proactive approach demonstrates responsibility and commitment to community standards, ultimately enhancing the reputation of such groups within public spaces,” she said.

Redwine said she and others on her team at the Friends of the Katy Trail try their best to communicate basic considerations, though it’s ultimately up to the individuals who use the Katy Trail to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment. However, she said people aren’t always paying close attention to where they are and those around them.

“We are living in a fast-paced, tech-driven age,” she said. “Whether it’s people on their phones, not looking up, or standing and talking to friends in the middle of the trail and blocking it, sometimes people are just unaware of their surroundings.”

Individuals’ reasons for not acknowledging or adhering to the expected standards are not always clear, though Gordon said there are a few likely explanations.

“I think most people are just out clearing their minds and exercising and don’t know about the general rules,” he said. “I see groups on the trail and track that haven’t been educated. Some are just rude, but most don’t know or are not thinking about the rules and protocols.”

Like Gordon, Macduff Levanway said she thinks many people simply are not aware of the etiquette expectations, though she added that there are plenty of individuals who aren’t concerned with following them.

“I’ve seen people taking work calls while walking on a busy track, and I wonder how in the world they thought that was a good idea,” she said. “Common sense is free, and sometimes I don’t think people realize that.”

A group of owls is called a parliament.

The vast majority of communication is nonverbal, and people’s body language—including facial expressions—significantly impact how individuals interpret and respond to such communication. However, people’s facial expressions can often be misleading and lead others to wonder whether or not if what a person is thinking or feeling is actually what is written on his or her face.

Studies have revealed that while individuals seek authenticity and would like to claim to be able to discern it, they often are unable to tell when people they interact with are being genuine or not. While every thought and feeling that a person experiences should likely not be shared with everyone, a person’s countenance often gives away what’s going through his or her mind. There are times, though, when a person might intentionally try to ensure that his or her facial expressions don’t let that happen.

“I have a good poker face when I am conscientious and know the situation,” Dallas resident Damon Yousefy said. “As an attorney, I can’t show my feelings in negotiations for clients and use a different tone of voice to match the poker face. However, in casual interactions, my eyebrows give away my feelings, and people can easily see the expressions I make.”

Like Yousefy, Dallas resident Nathaniel Medrano said he also is able to present a straight face that doesn’t necessarily reveal what he’s thinking and feeling to those around him.

“I am often told that people have a difficult time knowing when I’m being serious or joking when I relay information,” he said. “I do it purposefully to keep people guessing. It’s fun. I will say that it does have its drawbacks when I am trying to have a more serious conversation, and some folks don’t take me seriously. It’s the price I must pay.”

Not everyone would necessarily fool a table during a high-stakes card game, though. Some people have bosses who have talks with them about making stronger efforts to have better “meeting faces,” while others are only sometimes able to mask thoughts or feelings that perhaps they don’t want others to see in their expressions and reactions.

“I do not know if I have a good poker face,” Dallas-area resident Robyn Allen said. “I naturally have a scowl look that I have inherited and show less emotion in moments that I do not feel 100 percent comfortable in. I let my brain process and resolve my current situation before I have to outwardly react with emotion.”

But Allen doesn’t think it’s necessary for others always to be able to read people’s nonverbal responses.

“I do think some reactions should be controlled and limited so that you do not physically or emotionally overreact,” she said. “If I outwardly showed what I was thinking with my face anytime someone spoke at work, I would have been fired a long time ago.”

She is certainly not alone in that perspective. Medrano said he thinks it’s absolutely essential for a person to master the ability to be stoic under certain conditions.

“There will always be times in life when you need to hide feelings and be strong for loved ones,” he said. “On the other side of that, you also should be able to hide your excitement in some moments, such as during negotiations.”

Business dealings and other career-related situations often lead to people being more inclined to remain stone-faced. Like Medrano, Yousefy also noted how integral it can be not to offer non-revealing expressions during work situations that involve negotiations.

“I think certain circumstances require keeping one’s feelings close to the chest and not letting the other side know our thoughts,” he said. “When negotiating, if the other side gives a favorable proposal or number, it’s important not to seem happy about it or vice versa.”

And Yousefy doesn’t necessarily believe that simply being more guarded with one’s facial reactions means that a person is not to be trusted. After all, sometimes deception is needed for a little harmless fun and entertainment.

“Some people are better than others at concealing their thoughts,” he said. “Most people are genuine, but others do a better job of hiding their feelings, whether involuntarily or voluntarily. To do a good April fool’s prank requires some ability to have a poker face and neutral tone, so I’m happy to report that I pranked some people well this year.”

But reasons for concealing emotions and reactions are not always as lighthearted as for carrying out pranks. Medrano said he is often careful to keep his thoughts and opinions to himself, including in how he communicates those via his countenance, particularly in regard to more polarizing subjects and situations.

“I think society overall is pretty sensitive these days,” he said. “I would never want to offend any dear readers. It’s only when I get to know someone or a group of people (or they get to know me) that I feel as though I can be my genuine self. I do have a good heart—I swear.”

There are also times when individuals feel the need to conceal their facial expressions and overall body language responses as somewhat of a defense mechanism to protect themselves and ensure that others don’t attempt to take advantage of them.

“I think most people control their physical reactions to others, especially when they disagree in moments or need to negotiate in competitive settings,” Allen said. “There are also times in a discussion when your weaknesses do not need to be disclosed to maintain control in difficult conversations.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Some of the NatNews staff and some dear readers recently enjoyed spending time together at a newish local establishment

Monday, April 21: Stars vs. Avalanche (Game 2) at the American Airlines Center; National Tea Day; Boston Marathon
Tuesday, April 22: Movies in the Park — 10 Things I Hate About You at Griggs Park; Reliant Home Run Derby at Riders Field (free admission); Free Rooftop Movie — Scott Pilgrim vs. the World at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, April 23: 55th Annual USA Film Festival at the Angelika Film Center Dallas
Thursday, April 24: Cool Thursdays Concerts Series — Purple Madness | The Prince Tribute Band at the Dallas Arboretum; Kenny Chesney Tribute — Barefoot Nation at Legacy Hall
Friday, April 25: Live on the Lawn — Featuring Don Louis at The Village Dallas (Glen Lawn); The Boho Market at Preston Hollow Village
Saturday, April 26: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Festival of Joy at Klyde Warren Park; Dallas Annual Crawfish Boil at White Rock Brewing Co.; Dallas Trinity FC vs. Lexington Sporting SC at Cotton Bowl Stadium
Sunday, April 27: Dallas’ Disco Cowgirl Market at White Rock Brewing Co.; Reunion Tower Sound Bath