- Someone has just insulted one of your friends in front of your face.
- You just accidentally sent a raunchy text to your dad instead of your boyfriend.
- You forgot a coworkers name.
Debby Mayne, the Etiquette Expert at about.com has given some very handy tips below about certain awkward situations and how you can make that 'oh no' feeling a little less awkward..
1. Busybody Questions
There’s always someone who thinks it’s his or her right to know
your private or personal business. Come up with a few pat answers to put
these people in their place without sounding self-righteous. For
example, if one of your coworkers asks how much you make, say, “Enough
to pay my bills but not enough to buy that Lamborghini I have my eye
on.”
Ladies Be Prepared tip: If someone insults one of your friends or co-workers (while they're not in view), try saying something like "Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, however they are my friend/coworker and I don't think it's right to speak badly about them. If its bothering you, why don't you have a chat to them?"
2. Email or Text Sent to the Wrong Person
The instant you hit “send,” you discover that your message
went to the wrong person. Now it’s time for damage control. First, try
to find a way to “unsend,” but that doesn’t always work. It’s not too
difficult to apologize if you haven’t said something inappropriate.
However, if you have, pick up the phone and talk to the person. It’s
always easier to explain with back-and-forth conversation than with
another email or text.LBP tip: When you send that raunchy text to your dad instead of your partner..call and say "Hi dad, sorry about that text..definitely not for you! Anyway, hows your dodgy knee feeling today?"
3. You're Running Late
It's always a good idea to be where you're supposed to be at the
designated time. However, there are occasions when you may be running
late. The best thing is to apologize and do whatever you have to do to
catch up on what you missed. Don't make up reasons for your tardiness
because that's simply a waste of time, and others will see right through
the excuses.
LBP Tip: Try to call ahead and advise if you are running late (especially for meetings,so you are not potentially wasting anyones time) "Sorry I am running late, I will expect to in the office in 15 minutes. Thanks"
4. In the Presence of an Ex
You’re sitting across the table with the man or woman of your
dreams, and someone at the door of the restaurant catches your eye. As
soon as you glance up, your heart falls when you realize your ex has
just arrived. Be very straightforward and simply state the situation. If
the person you are with seems put off, try to reassure him or her.
However, this is an opportunity to see the person’s reaction to a sticky
situation – something that will show true character.
LBP tip: Say to your partner "Oh no, my ex Brad Pitt just walked in. I'm glad i've got a gorgeous dude like you here right now!"
5. Flirty Boss
Flirty bosses can make your job unbearable, so it’s best to nip that situation in the bud immediately. Let him or her know that this kind of behavior makes you uncomfortable and you would like for it to stop. If the person continues, you have three choices: Tell your boss’s supervisor, live with it, or quit your job.LBP Tip: "Get your hand off my butt Mr Clinton, that's making me extremely uncomfortable.."
6. Inappropriate Office Relationship
The discomfort of spotting one of your married coworkers engaging in inappropriate behavior with someone else in the office can be overwhelming. If this happens to you, leave the scene and give one of the people an opportunity to explain. You may have misunderstood what was happening, but if your first hunch was correct, resist the urge to comment. Don’t gossip about an office romance with others either because often the messenger winds up in more trouble than the ones who commit the infraction.LBP Tip: This doesn't have to be in the office either. Even in public, spotting your best mates partner cosying up to another person can be awkward. Give the offending person a chance to respond, either right there or in the next appropriate situation (Try not to wait too long to speak to them)
7. Forgot Someone's Name
If you encounter someone whose name you should remember but don’t, extend your hand and say, “Hi, I’m not sure if you remember me, but I’m Jane Miller from accounting.” The other person will probably take the hint and do the same. If not, continue chatting with the hope that something will trigger your memory. You can also try honesty by saying that you are terrible with names. Most people are understanding and won’t be offended.LBP Tip: It's strange, but mentally repeating someones name three times in your head when meeting them the first time seems to ingrain their name into your memory better..try it next time!
8. Foot in Mouth Syndrome
Almost everyone has stuck a foot in the mouth at least once in his or her life. When this happens to you, take a moment to recover and come back with something flattering. For example, if you ask a friend when her baby is due, and she lets you know she’s not pregnant, say, “Oh, but you’re glowing. Something wonderful must be happening in your life, and I’d love to hear about it.” Then make it a point to avoid saying anything rude in the future.9. Request for a Loan
Someone you know has asked you for money, but you have a rule to never lend money to a friend or coworker. Simply state your policy, and if possible, offer a small cash gift. If you don’t have extra money to give, offer something else, like an alternative to borrowing money. You may even know of a lending institution that you can recommend.Want to avoid inconvenient lady situations in the office like a broken nail, food in your teeth or ripped pantyhose? Make sure you have a Ladies Be Prepared Office Kit in your desk, only $20 through www.ladiesbeprepared.com
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