Making Etiquette Easy: Staring

Image from www.mattgraham.blogspot.com

We were all taught that if we were going to stare, we might as well 'take a picture, it'll last longer.' But sometime the people watching is half of the fun, not to mention the time it helps pass as we commute along during our workday. Somewhere between the idea that we should be flattered when people take notice of us and the fact that it is impolite to stare, lie the rules of everyday staring:

• Avoid Staring: It's always best not to stare, but some of us have to be cognizant of this action in order to stop it. If you're in a crowded space, try to focus your attention on something like your laptop or straight ahead on signage. It's okay to look around, but make sure you shift your glaze and don't fixate on any one single person.
• Dress the Part: If you always find yourself too curious to look away, consider investing in some sunglasses, or at least carry a distraction (i.e. newspaper or cell phone) so that if you do get too antsy, you can focus in on something else.
• Caught in the Act: If someone notices you looking their direction, the best thing to do is give them a quick and kind smile and then turn your gaze elsewhere. There's no need to make a big deal of it, but it can quickly become one if you don't stop.
• How to Respond: What if you're the object of a "Staring Tom?" Try your best to grant some mercy- and remember that perhaps they forgot their book or usual conversation partner for the day. If they don't look away, offer a quick smile and don't look their way again.