Space Invaders and
Remaining Etiquette-ful

Our eyes are constant space invaders, but it’s important to remember that honoring other people’s personal space is an active value. When we dine, we do not reach across someone else’s dining space, nor do we reach to add to or take food from their plate.

Space invaders also appear in conversations. Minding our own business requires good judgment and consideration of the people present. The right to privacy means that we don’t snoop around. We excuse ourselves if we interrupt a private moment.

Common sense and self-control can’t always be counted on. If we unthinkingly embark into uncomfortable, sensitive conversation territory, the proverbial “eyeballs” of others are right there noticing. These sentinels just can’t control themselves and they can’t be expected to unsee what they witnessed.

Space Invaders and Their Invasions

As I half-jokingly say when teaching dining etiquette classes, “Our eyes are space invaders of the worst kind.” They seem to have a will of their own. And once seen, you can’t unsee even though you wish you had not witnessed it. Slurped soup; fingers pushing food onto a fork; the licking of a knife, a grimace or sound that characterizes a guest’s feeling about what they’ve been served.

When you notice that the other person notices that you’ve noticed, what could you say that etiquette-fully helps everyone out?

Admission. “I apologize. I have been staring.”
Confession. “I need to start minding my manners right now!”
Ignore entirely. “Oh, yes, and would you pass the salt and pepper please?”
Change the subject. “John mentioned that you are looking for a new house.”

Embarrassing Moments

Have you ever said something and realized too late that it was gossip or confidential, or had a private conversation with one person, thus excluding others in the group? Over-dramatized a mistake, drawing even more attention to yourself? As you look around the room, you know that others can’t unsee what they saw—or heard. First stop and take a breath. You may have to fake composure.
Things you might say:

“You all might be thinking, ‘Oh, I can totally see myself doing that, and I would die! Consoling remarks are welcome.’”
“There’s an elephant in the room. May we walk around it?”
“Clearly, I’ve slipped up here and said the wrong thing. I’m sorry.”

As embarrassing as those moments can be, doing the right thing and owning your actions and words will show your integrity. While others may have been caught off-guard in the moment, your admission and apology will alleviate the negativity of the situation. And afterwards, remind yourself that:

It could have been worse.
It’s normal to want to hide, but don’t stay away for long.
This is a learning opportunity.

Etiquette helps us see, at the margin, what should be done to keep interactions and relationships harmonious. And the goal is not perfectionism! We’re doing our best, moment by moment.

“The words had somehow managed to bypass reason on the way out of his mouth.”
~ Julie Ann Long