Question of the Week: Snot Etiquette

One Tailored Edges listener who was recently grossed out wants to know “how can someone tactfully blow their nose public?”

Answer:  Sometimes blowing your nose in public is unavoidable, they key is to do it discretely and not draw attention to yourself or gross out others. If you’ve got to blow, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1) You’re not a statute, turn your head or get up and move!  Don’t try to continue a conversation and snot at the same time. Say “excuse me” and turn your head to the side and handle your business.

2)  Avoid blowing your nose like a horn. The sound will attract unwanted attention. If you need to do more than a gentle blow, get up and an go to a private area.

3) Take a minute to take care of yourself and as soon as you can, get up and check yourself for residual particles. Most people are too embarrassed to tell you “there’s something on your face,” they’ll just talk about you later or end the conversation quickly.

4) After you blow – or sneeze- please don’t try to shake hands with anyone.

5) When dining, avoid blowing your nose in a cloth napkin AND at a table.  It’s gross, unsanitary and will wreck everybody’s meal.

Finally, during the winter months or if you know you have allergies, there’s no excuse for not carrying tissue with you. Save your image with tissue, the one little piece of paper that you can’t afford to be without.