Asking someone to turn off speaker mode on their phone?
ILLUSTRATION PASCALINE LEFEBVRE, THE PRESS
“Oh my God, yes!” » Nick Bramos, chef at Emmanuelle (a rare establishment in town to invite its customers to “forget digital distractions at the door”), does this regularly. “At least once a week, to my father, a partner at the restaurant, my accountant, clients! […] A conversation is between two people, not everyone around. » A question of respect and good manners, quite simply. Something that is obviously being lost, although there is hope: “99% of the time, people agree! »
Silvia Galipeau, The Press
I ghost or not after a bad date?
ILLUSTRATION PASCALINE LEFEBVRE, THE PRESS
After a very pleasant first date, you swear, all signs of life cease without explanation. In 2023, the social acceptability of ghosting should no longer be a question. It hurts, period. “It’s a question of respect to be clear about your intentions,” underlines Joan Paiement, president of the Intermezzo agency. Didn’t it click? No need to invent a justification. Just a short message thanking the person for the coffee, the lovely evening, but unfortunately the connection wasn’t there. Thank you and have a good life!
Léa Carrier, The Press
Is it okay to ask someone why they wear a mask?
ILLUSTRATION PASCALINE LEFEBVRE, THE PRESS
If your interlocutor is a stranger, and you don’t know him from Eve or Adam, how can I say… does that concern you? Let’s be frank: the question is generally loaded. “It implies that it’s weird,” comments Sarah Ben Sabat, who has worn a mask since the pandemic, and who even quit her job in a downtown restaurant because her ex-boss wanted to force her to ‘to remove. “Do you have a face?” ”, has already been served to him. If you are speaking to a well-known person, however, who suddenly appears masked, the question is justified. Just like the most direct: do you have COVID?
Silvia Galipeau, The Press
She, he, they: we wonder or not, the pronouns?
ILLUSTRATION PASCALINE LEFEBVRE, THE PRESS
Since the appearance of pronouns in email signatures, the question is being asked more and more. And leaves you perplexed. And if yes, how ? “Don’t expect a clear answer! », Warns Kim Forget-Desrosiers, psychosocial worker at Aide aux trans du Québec. In the healthcare environment, yes, asking patients their pronouns can be relevant. However, in a work environment, the person could feel forced to reveal themselves to their colleagues. In short, it all depends on the context. And yes, it is possible to be wrong. We apologize briefly, and move on!
Léa Carrier, The Press
Your dinner guests treat you to a bottle of wine. Do we drink it?
ILLUSTRATION PASCALINE LEFEBVRE, THE PRESS
In principle, according to label specialists Julie Blais Comeau and Philippe Lichtfus, the bottle is a gift, so we do not open it. We prepared the meal, we thought about the wines to pair with the dishes, so we kept the bottle. That said, principles are good, but in life, very often, our guests will tell us: “Come on, let’s open the bottle!” We brought it so we could drink it together! » So, obviously, do everything in a very festive way!
Olivia Levy, The Press
Commenting on a stranger’s tattoo, is it yes or no?
ILLUSTRATION PASCALINE LEFEBVRE, THE PRESS
If it’s to say: “Wow! Your tattoo is really pretty! “, It’s a yes. But if it’s to add “do you have any elsewhere”, “do you regret any”, or worse, monologue on why and how people get tattoos today (real fact), then, “no” , says Vanessa Gascon, a manicurist (nail artist) and yoga teacher with multiple tattoos.
Silvia Galipeau, The Press
We meet the same person at the bus stop every morning. Should we greet her?
ILLUSTRATION PASCALINE LEFEBVRE, THE PRESS
Yes, let’s salute this person! Why not ? “The fact of looking at others and having this recognition, of saying hello, of smiling at them, is important,” believes Julie Blais Comeau. We can also nod, because it simply means showing respect for others. Maybe this person is alone and this will be one of the few contacts of their day. So why deprive yourself of this little attention? This is a fine example of good manners. »
Olivia Levy, The Press
Is vaping indoors without asking permission serious?
ILLUSTRATION PASCALINE LEFEBVRE, THE PRESS
Is the cherry vapor from your vaping device likely to tickle the nostrils of your table neighbor? Ask him for permission to vape, that’s the minimum! Because it is not without health risks. Although second-hand smoke from cigarettes is more harmful, smoke from vaping still contains dangerous particles, such as heavy metals. Irritation of the lungs, cough: exposure to electronic cigarettes can also be bothersome, particularly in people suffering from respiratory illnesses or young children, says Dr Nicolas Chadi, pediatrician specializing in adolescent medicine and drug addiction.
Léa Carrier, The Press