Making Etiquette Easy: Weekend Run-in’s

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As invincible as we’d like to think we are, none of us are free from the occasional awkward run-in with a business contact or employee on our free time. We might be bumping carts at Costco, in the waiting room of the doctor’s office, or even out of town for a quick get-away. And while we almost always regret wearing those questionable pair of shorts or old tee-shirt, there are a few things to make the situation less awkward and get you out of there faster:

• Always be prepared: Like the Boy Scouts, you should know that whenever you venture out of your house, there’s a likelihood that you will run into someone you know. The chances of this seem to grow exponentially when you don’t look your best. Consider taking the extra time to ‘pull yourself together,’ it will help alleviate any embarrassment on your part and possibly perceived rudeness from others when you aren’t your friendliest.
• Acknowledgement: When you do run into someone you know, be sure to acknowledge him or her. While it seems easier to just ignore them at first, it can be off-putting. Even if it’s just a wave, it’s a polite courtesy and a subliminal affirmation of value.
• Start & finish the conversation: Chances are that both of you were enjoying your own version of a stress-free weekend, so making conversation while wearing your Croc’s is a definitive turn in the opposite direction. It is polite to say ‘hello’ and ask how the person is doing. But after that, it’s best to let them have their privacy by ending the conversation with something like, ‘I will let you get back to shopping/etc.”
• Mind your own business: If you continue to see them or run into them at the same location after you’ve exchanged words, you needn’t say anything else. Go on about your business and allow the other person to do the same. As stated, this really only works once you’ve exchanged a ‘hello.’

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina