Theater Etiquette

This afternoon, my husband and I attended a matinee performance at a local theater. We arrived in plenty of time, and even a little early as is our wont. However, everyone else in our row had arrived even earlier. Since our seats were smack-dab in the middle of the row, five people had to stand for us to reach them. Based on everyone's obvious annoyance, you'd have thought we'd asked  them to donate an organ or something.

As holders of season passes to two different theaters and the Portland Symphony, my husband and I encounter this nonsense often. According to the general vibe, we are expected to apologize for disturbing everyone as we make our way to our seats, which we paid for just like they paid for theirs, stumbling over the stubborn holdouts who won't stand but simply move their knees aside. 

It's basically an obstacle course every time. And why is that? We are not talking running a half-marathon here --  all they have to do is stand up. 

More often than not, these momentarily displaced persons sigh audibly, scowl and grumble under their breath. To all of them I say, "Get a grip!" And also, I suggest getting some exercise so that the simple act of standing up and sitting back down isn't such a G.D. burden.