The number of advice podcasts ...is 0?
Hey guys! I thought I heard early December on this, but my apologies if there's been an update and I missed it. Is there a forum thread to start asking questions (if not, can I start)? I have an advice question and 2 short etiquette questions.
I'm travelling on business with a co-worker in a few weeks. We're friendly, but not necessarily friends (he indirectly reports to me). Is there any obligation to 'hang out' or take meals together outside of working hours, either with him or with co-workers at the other site? I'm a bit of an introvert and would be happy crashing back at the hotel room by myself and getting room service after a hard day's work, but I don't want to give the impression I don't want to socialize with coworkers (particularly ones who work at a different site and whom I wouldn't get other opportunities to interact with in person)? I'm a back office support guy (not sales), so it's not imperative that I build business relationships this way, on the other hand I don't want to come off as uninterested or disconnected. Any advice?
I have 2 public bathroom etiquette questions: 1. Is it appropriate to 'bless' a stranger in an adjacent stall of a public restroom who sneezes? It's flu and cold season here in Boston and I've been 'blessed' twice this way this week. It feels both polite and awkward at the same time. Should I be doing this? Should I be saying thank you, or should I just ignore and pretend nothing happened?
2. When, if ever, is it appropriate to use a handicapped stall if you're not handicapped? I work in a department with no one who would legitimately use it (and we're unlikely to have visitor/clients who would). Is it never to be used then? I don't want to use it and have people think I'm insensitive, but I don't want to stand around waiting if all the other stalls are full and there's a perfectly good stall ready?
I'm travelling on business with a co-worker in a few weeks. We're friendly, but not necessarily friends (he indirectly reports to me). Is there any obligation to 'hang out' or take meals together outside of working hours, either with him or with co-workers at the other site? I'm a bit of an introvert and would be happy crashing back at the hotel room by myself and getting room service after a hard day's work, but I don't want to give the impression I don't want to socialize with coworkers (particularly ones who work at a different site and whom I wouldn't get other opportunities to interact with in person)? I'm a back office support guy (not sales), so it's not imperative that I build business relationships this way, on the other hand I don't want to come off as uninterested or disconnected. Any advice?
I have 2 public bathroom etiquette questions: 1. Is it appropriate to 'bless' a stranger in an adjacent stall of a public restroom who sneezes? It's flu and cold season here in Boston and I've been 'blessed' twice this way this week. It feels both polite and awkward at the same time. Should I be doing this? Should I be saying thank you, or should I just ignore and pretend nothing happened?
2. When, if ever, is it appropriate to use a handicapped stall if you're not handicapped? I work in a department with no one who would legitimately use it (and we're unlikely to have visitor/clients who would). Is it never to be used then? I don't want to use it and have people think I'm insensitive, but I don't want to stand around waiting if all the other stalls are full and there's a perfectly good stall ready?
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Comments
The bathroom questions, though--who says "bless you" when the guy in the next stall sneezes? That's fucking weird and you don't have to reply. Also use the handicapped stall; as long as you don't have someone in the office that uses it for a legit reason there's no reason you shouldn't.
The bless you thing - yeah I wouldn't worry about saying it. It is more polite in my opinion to pretend you can't hear any noises in a shared bathroom situation.
I have been in the work travel socialization situation before. I try to go out and socialize but minimize it. Maybe just keep it to a dinner or two depending on how long the travel is. But I don't think you are obligated to or that you should feel guilty if you don't.
There is a podcast called Ask A Manager that gives advice on uncomfortable workplace situations. I just started listening to it occasionally but some of these topics may have been addressed. You can write or call in with a question too. Sort of like a Dear Abby structure.
Just say "thank you" in a much deeper voice to make it less weird
Use the bathroom only if the others are taken, and you cannot wait... and don't have a 20 minute dropping of deuces
Some people are more fun to travel with and hang out with than others, but I absolutely don't think there is any expectation that you have to socialize outside of the work. At least not in my field. I will say I've made some good friends and work contacts from people who were willing to hang out on a work trip. Usually people I would have never gotten to know otherwise.