January 31, 2020
Office romances happen. Quite often, they lead to long-term relationships and sometimes marriage. But starting a romance with a co-worker can have unforeseen consequences. In the worst-case scenario, your office romance can lead to uncomfortable situations and unplanned or forced resignations. Before you make the leap into an office romance, consider these tips:
Check the Rulebook
Find out what your employer’s policies are on the topic of office relationships before you start the romance. Some companies are more traditional and have zero tolerance when it comes to office romances, whereas other companies are more accepting. If you’ve already been dating, disclose your office romance to your HR person as soon as possible. Some firms require you to follow certain guidelines or inform other staff members.
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Posted by Margaret Page in Valentines Day, Business, Business Etiquette, Everyday Etiquette, Wedding Etiquette and tagged love, Office love, office romance, workplace romance, romance, office etiquette, relationships, couples
April 10, 2019
A Guide to Tricky Emoji
A colleague recently texted me with a wonderful idea. As someone who messages quite a bit, both personally and professionally, I’m pretty up-to-date on proper etiquette. But when I tried to choose an emoji heart to indicate that I loved my colleague’s idea I was stymied. There were so many choices! A yellow heart? A beating red heart? A large pink heart flanked by smaller hearts?
I’m not alone in my confusion. The misuse of emoji is fodder for Buzzfeed articles about the generation gap between parents and their children — they even show up as plot points in comedies. Here are some of the most commonly used emoji and what they really mean.
Hearts. We all know hearts represent love, but their colors add another layer of meaning. Bustle published a great guide to heart colors that I like to reference. If you’re familiar with the subtle language of giving flowers, you’ll notice a few similarities: Yellow for warmth, purple for drama and glamour, a cluster for over-the-top expression. Save a single red heart, like a single red rose, for a love interest.
Wink. A wink in real life might indicate a joke or a flirtation. In emoji, it is most definitely the latter. Not appropriate in professional texts or with someone other than a partner, spouse, or potential love interest.
Crying laughing. This emoji indicates that you’re laughing so hard that you’re crying — definitely different than the laughing emoji, for which it’s sometimes confused. Make sure you don’t choose the version with a drop of water coming from its forehead: that indicates a nervous, cold sweat.
Smiling face with hands. This face seems very happy, but the hands are an indication that something else is going on. This emoji is a virtual hug — not appropriate for your boss, for example.
Expressionless face. Don’t use this emoji unless you want to convey your displeasure or lack of enthusiasm for an idea, person, or project.
Smiling face with heart eyes. Be careful when using this emoji — it can be applied to an idea you love, but also indicate love or flirtation to the person on the other end of your text message.
There are hundreds of emoji. I’ve concentrated on the way these emoji are used in North America and Europe, but you may run into different interpretations in Asia, for example. When in doubt, type it out rather than use a symbol.
Do you have any emoji horror stories? Please share them in the comments below!
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Posted by Margaret Page in Valentines Day, Uncategorized, Business Etiquette, Communication, Everyday Etiquette, Just for Fun and tagged communication, Emoji, hearts
February 6, 2019
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and many of you are probably planning a romantic night for your loved one. Valentine’s Day means different things to different people – depending on how long you’ve been together and how serious the relationship is. Traditionally, it means chocolate, flowers or a romantic evening out at an upscale restaurant. This time-honoured tradition can usually fit into most budgets but planning a romantic evening can also be memorable if you consider what your partner really enjoys but does not get to do as often as they like.
Planning a personalized Valentine’s Day outing shows that you took the time to organize a day or night out that is meaningful to them. Cooking his favourite meal with soft music playing in the background is very romantic. Make the evening special by getting dressed up, lighting some candles and setting the table with your best china. Perhaps a picnic in the park with her favourite dishes and a nice bottle of wine followed up by activity she enjoys like cycling or visiting an antique market nearby. Handmade cards and love letters tucked in the picnic basket would be a great hit! E-cards by Hallmark and Blue Mountain are also a good option. Just keep the presents like that new car battery for another occasion!
If you choose to go the traditional
route of dining out, keep these tips in mind:
- Make reservations early: If you have a favourite restaurant
that you would like to take your romantic partner to then don’t wait until the
last minute to book that reservation. Chances are that if it’s your favourite,
then it’s other peoples as well as you don’t want to be caught having nowhere
to share your special evening.
- Be on time: Valentine’s Day is not the time to be
late. Make sure you are on time to pick up your date or be on time at the
restaurant.
- Turn your cell phones off: It goes without saying that you should
always give your date your undivided attention, and most especially on such a
romantic day as Valentine’s Day. Turn your cell phones off—and leave them off
the table–so you’re not tempted to check sports scores during dinner or your
favourite food blog!
- Mind your table manners: As with any time you’re sharing a meal
with someone, be sure to bring along your best table manners. Chewing with your
mouth open or shoveling food into your mouth is NOT romantic. Place your napkin
with the fold towards your body and keep the used side between the fold.
- Fine Dining Knowledge: If you are at a five-star restaurant
for the first time, perhaps check out the menu ahead of time. This is
especially true if it’s a cuisine that you are unfamiliar with or the menu has
items written in French! Not only will you learn about any signature dishes,
but taking that extra step learning how to pronounce the menu items will earn
you extra bonus points with your date and show that you took the time to do so.
- For the men: Remember the simple things, like
opening the door for her, helping her with her coat, and pulling out her chair
for her if the wait staff don’t do it for her.
- Who pays? Many women are still looking for
that knight in shining armor–chivalry is desirable. However, modern etiquette
dictates that whoever extended the invitation should be the one picking up the
tab.
If there is not currently a romantic
partner in your life, you can always participate in this year’s Random Acts of
Kindness Day on Feb 17, 2019 . There are various categories you can choose from to
pass along kindness to others.
Wishing you all a very happy (and romantic) Valentine’s Day! Do you have a favorite Valentine’s Day memory you’d like to share? We’d love to hear it!
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Posted by Margaret Page in Valentines Day, Dining Etiquette, Etiquette Tips
