Naked person chatting it up in the locker-room?
Q: You’re in the gym locker-room, and someone is trying to chat with you but that person is naked. You’re uncomfortable. How do you escape the conversation?
The locker-room is one of those places where many people feel ill at ease. For that reason, it’s important for well-intentioned chatterboxes to be mindful that not everyone is OK speaking with someone in the buff.
For those who find themselves caught in this situation, acknowledge the person who initiates the conversation from a standing position rather than a seated one. This will make it far easier to establish direct eye contact, leaving less in your field of vision that makes you want to avert your gaze.
There are enough perfectly valid reasons for needing to bolt before or after a workout, so you could say something like, “I’d better get to the spin studio before all the bikes are gone” or “Excuse me while I get a protein shake.”
It is entirely appropriate to keep such conversations brief — at least until actual briefs make an appearance.
— Thomas P. Farley, “Mister Manners” etiquette expert
Modern manners in the gym lockerroom include acknowledging and following social boundaries. However, naked adults attempting face-to-face conversations in gym locker rooms are overstepping these social boundaries.
When addressing the talker, look at his eyes, forehead or nose. Try closing the conversation before it starts by replying in a neutral voice.
Without delving into social awkwardness, try using the following phrases to escape the conversation. Depending on your personal style, modify to your comfort level.
1. “Now isn’t the best time for us to have this conversation.”
2. “I’m on the way to a business meeting, and I can’t talk now. Hope you had a good workout!”
3. “Text me later. I’ve got to run.”
4. “After we are both fully clothed, I’m available to visit for 10 minutes.”
Close the conversation in a polite way that leaves no room for more talking.
— Sharon Schweitzer, international etiquette expert