I live and work in Chicago, so I encounter sidewalk hogs all the time. Usually, these are oblivious tourists or suburbanites. I know that there is a stigma that city people are rude and rushed, but be fair and try to understand. What’s a trip for you is part of my daily life. I’m glad you’re having a good time and that you appreciate my city, but I have places to go and things to do. I know you want to talk and share everything, but please respect the people who live and work here. Don’t congest my sidewalks. Remember that there is an active world around you. Don’t get pissy when people try to get past you. Try the “V” configuration, it works well.
There is a variant here – teenagers. Whereas tourists tend to be innocent and oblivious, teenagers are often aware but indifferent. They sometimes even actively try to be sidewalk hogs. They are a special breed of the worst person ever. I get that you feel powerful and excited being out in the world by yourselves, but get over it and grow up. As with most of the people in this series, all I ask for is the minimum level of decency and respect. It doesn’t take a lot to be a good guy.