How to respond to ‘Who did you vote for?’ when you don’t want to talk about it
It’s likely that anyone you talk to this week will want to discuss the election. And while socializing and staying busy can alleviate some stress during this process, being in contact with certain friends or family can have the opposite effect, says Vanessa Kennedy, the director of psychology at Driftwood Recovery, a rehabilitation center in […]
How to politely decline a second date
The one thing spookier than a bad first date is seeing your phone light up with a text asking for a second. The “easy way out” of delivering the uncomfortable news that you don’t want to meet up again is to not respond, also known as ghosting, says Grace Lee, a New York City-based dating […]
3 awkward social situations and how to handle them
Parties or friendly get-togethers can be fun, healthy environments to replenish energy or blow off steam. Depending on your level of social anxiety, though, a small family gathering or happy hour with friends can also be a source of stress. Sara Jane Ho, host of the Netflix show “Mind Your Manners,” and author of a […]
How to get out of lunch with a co-worker
There are those co-workers who you just don’t want to be friends with. Sometimes, the feeling will be mutual. Other times it won’t be. In the latter case, uncomfortable situations can arise. For example, they might consistently ask you to lunch. No matter how many excuses you invent, they don’t seem to be deterred. There […]
How to exit an uncomfortable conversation
The end of the year brings with it a seemingly endless parade of holiday parties. While some gatherings can be perfectly pleasant, many are riddled with uncomfortable situations. One particularly tricky scenario you might encounter is being cornered into a conversation you don’t want to be having: distant relatives chiming in on world politics, a […]
How to confront a friend who never pays you back
We’ve all had that one friend whose tab is perpetually growing. Venmo requests for a split group tab always seem to get overlooked or perhaps they do a symbolic reach for their wallet when the server places the bill on the table — but no money actually ever materializes. If you’re not particularly good at […]
How to respond to a rude comment from your in-laws
There are many environments where it would benefit you to check any people-pleasing tendencies at the door: work, romantic relationships, even friendships. Holidays at your in-laws’ house is not one of them, says Sara Jane Ho, a Harvard-trained etiquette expert. Ho is the founder of the finishing school Institute Sarita, host of the Netflix show […]