Posted at 7:00 am.
Are you 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 eatery in the city that invites customers to “leave digital distractions at the door”), does this regularly. “At least once a week, to my father, a partner in the restaurant, my accountant, customers! […] A conversation takes place between two people, not between everyone. » Quite simply a question of respect and good manners. Something that is obviously lost, although there is hope: “In 99% of cases people agree!” »
Silvia Galipeau, La Presse
Should I ghost you after a bad date or not?
ILLUSTRATION PASCALINE LEFEBVRE, THE PRESS
After a very pleasant first date, you swear, all signs of life disappear without explanation. In 2023, social acceptance of ghosting will no longer be a question. It hurts, period. “It’s a question of respect, being clear about your intentions,” emphasizes Joan Paiement, president of the Intermezzo agency. Didn’t it click? There is no need to invent a justification. Just a quick message thanking the person for the coffee and the lovely evening, but unfortunately the connection wasn’t there. Thank you and have a good life!
Léa Carrier, La Presse
Can you ask someone why they are wearing a mask?
ILLUSTRATION PASCALINE LEFEBVRE, THE PRESS
If the person you are talking to is a stranger and you don’t know him from Eve or Adam, then how can I say… is it any of your business? Let’s be honest: the question is generally loaded. “This implies that it is strange,” comments Sarah Ben Sabat, who has been wearing a mask since the pandemic and even quit her job at a downtown restaurant because her ex-boss wanted to force her to remove it. “Do you have a face?” was already sent to him. However, if you’re talking to a familiar person who suddenly appears masked, the question is legitimate. Just like the most direct question: Do you have COVID?
Silvia Galipeau, La Presse
She, he, they: We wonder or not, the pronouns?
ILLUSTRATION PASCALINE LEFEBVRE, THE PRESS
Since pronouns have appeared in email signatures, this question has been asked more and more frequently. And leaves you perplexed. And if so, how? “Don’t expect a clear answer! », warns Kim Forget-Desrosiers, psychosocial worker at Aide aux trans du Québec. Yes, in healthcare it can be relevant to ask patients their pronouns. However, in a work environment, the person might feel compelled 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, La Presse
Treat your dinner guests to a bottle of wine. Do we drink it?
ILLUSTRATION PASCALINE LEFEBVRE, THE PRESS
Basically, according to label specialists Julie Blais Comeau and Philippe Lichtfus, it’s a gift, so we don’t open it. We prepared the meal, thought about which wines should pair with the dishes, and kept the bottle. Principles are good, but in life our guests often say to us: “Come on, let’s open the bottle!” We brought it with us so we can drink it together! » So of course do everything in a very festive way!
Olivia Levy, La Presse
Commenting on a stranger’s tattoo: yes or no?
ILLUSTRATION PASCALINE LEFEBVRE, THE PRESS
If you want to say: “Wow! Your tattoo is really pretty! “, It’s a yes. But when it comes to the addition of “Have you got any somewhere else,” “Do you regret any,” or, worse, a monologue about why and how people get tattoos these days (real fact), then “No,” says Vanessa Gascon, a manicurist (nail artist) and yoga instructor with multiple tattoos.
Silvia Galipeau, La Presse
We meet the same person at the bus stop every morning. Should we greet them?
ILLUSTRATION PASCALINE LEFEBVRE, THE PRESS
Yes, let’s greet this person! Why not ? “The fact of looking at others and having that recognition, saying hello to them, smiling at them, is important,” believes Julie Blais Comeau. We can also nod because it simply means showing respect to others. Maybe this person is alone and this will be one of the few contacts of their day. So why should you deprive yourself of this little attention? This is a fine example of good manners. »
Olivia Levy, La Presse
Is it serious to vape indoors without asking permission?
ILLUSTRATION PASCALINE LEFEBVRE, THE PRESS
Is the cherry vapor from your steamer likely to tickle the nose of the person sitting next to you? Ask him for permission to vape, that’s the minimum! Because it is not without health risks. Although secondhand cigarette smoking is more harmful, vaping smoke still contains dangerous particles, such as heavy metals. Lung irritation, coughing: Contact with e-cigarettes can also be disruptive, especially for people with respiratory diseases or small children, says Dr. Nicolas Chadi, pediatrician specializing in adolescent medicine and drug addiction.
Léa Carrier, La Presse