| Answers:
1. Answer: B.
The basic armrest rule is one to a customer, whether you’re
in an aisle, center, or window seat. The unclaimed center armrest is negotiable,
but the center seat passenger should have first dibs—after all, this poor
person is hemmed in on both sides. [back]
2. Answer: B.
Some parameters for office gift-giving:
• All requests for chip-ins should come with a suggested
range for contributions (from one to ten dollars, for example) and the caveat
that contributing is optional.
• The collector of the chip-ins should not make the
rounds, entering people’s workspaces to ask for their contribution; those
who want to chip in should do so of their own volition. No one should be subjected
to pressure tactics.
• The collector should never reveal how much was given
by individuals.
• Low-level employees should not be expected to give
at the high end of the suggested contribution range. [back]
3. Answer:
A. Continue to chat.
B. and C.
Cease and desist.
B. and C. are clear indications that your coworker is not
interested in chatting. Here are some others:
• The guest chair in your coworker’s office is
piled high with paper, and he makes no attempt to clear it when you enter the
room.
• Your coworker’s door is closed.
• Your coworker is eating breakfast or lunch.
[back]
4. Answer: A.
Before making a break for it, announce your presence with
a throat clearing and a brisk, “Excuse me.” Then, stride forcefully
into the gap and continue on your way. [back]
5. Answer: A
and B
are taboo.
*An etiquette tip:
Keep in mind that other shoppers may not have the best intentions
when they tell you how something you’re trying on looks. “That makes
you look hippy” may simply mean they want you to release custody of it so
they can try it on and claim it for themselves. [back]
6. Answer: B.
More shrink etiquette:
• Never lie to get medication.
• Refrain from scrutinizing other patients in the waiting
room, or the patient who’s leaving as you’re coming in. Direct eye contact
may make other patients uncomfortable.
• When outside of therapy, refrain from starting sentences
with “My shrink says … “ [back]
7. Answer:
A and C
are bad behavior, with the caveat that requests for “Free Bird” should
be limited to two.
Another important rule:
• If you are tempted to flick your lighter and sway
to a rock ballad with the rest of the crowd, be certain your lighter is held suitably
aloft so as not to risk lighting a fellow concertgoers’ hair on fire.
[back]
Find out more about Caroline Tiger's
book of modern etiquette, How to Behave.
From How to Behave,
by Caroline Tiger, Published by Quirk Books, 2003. Used with permission from the
publisher. Visit Quirk online at www.quirkbooks.com
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