Desk-mate puts her feet on our shared workspace
Awoman sitting next to me at a shared desk in a shared workspace had her feet on the desk that several of us were working at. I feel like this is unacceptable and gross. Thoughts? EWWWW. Couldn’t agree more. Totally unacceptable. Lounging back with your feet up sounds divine in your own house, but in a shared workspace, that is just gross. No. No. No. No.
If you find yourself beside this footloose and fancy free offender again, you have a few options. You could move stations if space permits. You could ask one of the staff to address this with her. Lastly, you could take matters into your own hands and steel yourself up to accidentally-on-purpose nudge her feet. When she looks up, deadpan, “Oh, sorry for bumping your feet on this shared table we’re all sitting at here.” A book or newspaper should do nicely. If this doesn’t work, revisit the other aforementioned options. It’s a touch passive aggressive, yes, but this situation is gross enough to warrant it, I think. I have a friend who NEVER checks Facebook, then complains when we go out without him. If he bothered to log in and check his invitations, he’d feel less left out, right?
Facebook invites aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, so I have some sympathy for your friend. I think the barrage of invites and events is impossible to keep up with and figure that the important stuff will come up through other means.
What if you were to send a screenshot of the next upcoming event and text it to him? It takes 10 seconds and is a really nice gesture. I’m not suggesting you become your friend’s social convenor, but the odd headsup by text (or email, or phone) might help him feel more included. Isn’t that what friends are for?
Lounging back with your feet up sounds divine in your own house, but in a shared workspace, that is just gross
I recently stayed at an Airbnb with a friend and they left a handwritten thank-you note when we left. Is that weird? Seems like overkill to essentially leave a hotel a thank-you card. What do you think?
I think your friend’s got style! And here’s why: Airbnbs aren’t really like hotels. You’re a guest for a night or two, sure, but you’re more of a houseguest than a hotel guest, as you are staying in someone’s home. If you were a houseguest in someone else’s home, would you send a thank-you note? I hope so. But wait, you’re thinking, ‘I’m paying to be at this Airbnb, so why should I bother with a card?’ Ratings, that’s why you should bother!
Whatever you can do to make a nice impression as a guest on Airbnb bolsters the odds of a favour- able review. And those reviews are super important to stay in good standing. I think it is a nice touch, but if you think it is overkill, an email or text to your Airbnb host thanking them for the lovely stay is a softer alternative. Etiquette expert Karen Cleveland answers your questions about modern life: karen@mannersaresexy.com