9 awkward social situations and how to get out of them

HOW to deal with close-talkers, bad BO and the boring person at a party,

Ricky Office

WE'VE all been through years of schooling and hopefully had thousands of social situations to learn from by the time we're thrown into adulthood.

But somehow, some people never learn social cues.

Like, it’s really not OK to talk loudly about a personal situation in a meeting at work. Or, it’s not nice to talk at people for hours at a party. Especially about your “quirky” hobbies.

Thankfully, etiquette expert and founder of the Good Manners Company Anna Musson, has some tips to help you out next time you’re stuck alongside a “talker” on a 13-hour flight.

Here are seven awkward situations, and how to get out of them.

1.You’re stuck talking to someone who has a deep interest in different breeds of snails at a party

If there is someone else around, it’s OK to include them in the conversation. Take a leaf out of Bridget Jones’ book, and think of an interesting anecdote that might link the two people, and introduce the extra person. You can then excuse yourself and leave.

If there is nobody around, say “It’s been lovely talking to you Mary. I’ve really enjoyed talking to you, but there are a lot of people here and I’ve been monopolising you. I hope our paths cross again. Wish you all the best.”

Don’t pretend your phone is ringing. That’s insincere. Plus never say you’re going to the bathroom. People don’t need to know that. Just say ”excuse me”.

2.You’re on public transport and somebody awkward wants to strike up a conversation with you

Firstly, you should never dismiss people completely. People have met their spouses on planes or trains, so if you can, give someone a go.

But if the conversation is uncomfortable, here are a few tips.

If you’re on a train, excuse yourself and say this is your stop. Get out of the train and move to the next carriage.

On a bus, never get up and move to another seat. Instead, explain you have some work or something you need to get done, and pull out your iPad or notes and do the work. Don’t pull out a magazine.

It’s a similar situation on a plane. You can’t move from your seat, so if you’re stuck next to a talker and you really just want to watch the movie, be polite. Say ‘have you seen this movie? I’m really keen to watch it.’ And put your headphones on and enjoy it.

3.You’re in a lift with someone weird

If you’re stuck talking to someone in a short term situation like in a lift just ride it out. Politely nod with them, and don’t start a fight. Get off at your floor and say goodbye graciously.

4.You’re on an awful date

If it is dinner, see the evening through, but don’t order dessert or coffee. If you are just meeting for a drink, don’t leave after five minutes.

At the end of the date, say something along the lines of, “It’s been a lovely evening. Thank you. Let’s call it a night.” Don’t say “see you next time”.

If you were set up by friends, you can then relay through your friends that you were not a good match. Don’t be rude.

5.Someone has something stuck in their teeth. Or has their skirt tucked into their undies

Be discreet – but tell them. Try to catch their eye, and make a specific gesture as to what the problem might be. For example, if someone has broccoli stuck in their teeth, look at the person, and point to your own teeth in the exact spot where their problem is.

If that doesn’t work, go up to the person and politely explain what the problem is. If you don’t they will get to the end of the day, and realise how many people they have interacted with during the day, and know exactly who didn’t say anything to them.

6.You’re around people going OTT on the PDA

If people around you are being overly affectionate or just plain X-rated put up with it for as long as you can. If it get’s too much, tell the couple to go home!

And remember, no matter how hot you think your new partner is – there is no need to display that to everyone on the street. For hours at a time. So think about how you behave, too!

7.You get a friend request on Facebook and you have no idea who it is

It’s not just in the ‘real’ world you can be stuck in an awkward situation. Your social media pages can be dangerous places to hang out if you don’t know how to get out of a tricky spot.

If you are receiving friend requests from people you don’t know, it is OK to ignore them.

If someone you know on the periphery; such as your best friend’s ex tries to be your friend, ignore the request.

If you receive repeated requests, again it is OK to ignore. People will get the picture.

If someone on your page posts something on your wall that you disagree with, delete it. Don’t start a fight. It’s not going to end well.

And finally, you should never use Facebook to rant. Or you’ll suddenly find your ‘friends’ number cut in half.

8. Someone in the office has bad body odour in the office

If leaving deodorant on their desk doesn't work, the best approach is to take it on yourself to help them. When in a group with the smelly offender, sniff the air in the direction of your armpits and say, "Do I smell? There is definitely the smell of BO in the air, I hope it's not me."

This will hopefully encourage all to check themselves and you may be a step closer to a sweet smelling office.

9. You've forgotten someone's name

Don't say the words "forgot" or "can't remember" as this has a negative connotation, acknowledge how you know each other, "It's great to see you, footy training has been fun hasn't it? I'm sorry I've just come out of a strategy meeting and my mind's gone blank about your name...".