Getting the Best Back-to-School-Deals Without Getting Decked
As a parent you know that back-to-school shopping can be expensive. But, did you know that it can be dangerous when you and another person reach for the last pack of notebook paper? People tend to argue and get a bit pushy for the last item and items that are sale. Here are some body language cues to watch for so you stay safe.
Here are some non-confrontational tips to reduce the chances of a pushy match over items.
Remember to speak clearly and relatively loud when saying "excuse me." If you do and you're being ignored then this isn't a good sign. If the person doesn't respond or doesn't step to the side then that person is staking their ground unless they have hearing difficulties.
Let's you and someone else grab an item at the same time, be careful. Some people will get into a tug-of-war over items, so you might want to let go of the items to de-escalate the situation.
Realize that sharing may be the best solution. Yes, it's a great to save money. But it's not worth a throw down. If you grab the last 6 binders at the same time someone else reaches for them, you want to consider passing along 3 of them.
Here are some body language cues that someone might deck you for the last ream of loose leaf paper.
Stand back when someone is taking off their jacket or putting their purse on the floor. When people are getting rid of anything that's in their hands, they're usually freeing their hands so they can use them.
Some people's face loose color when they get angry. Or, their foreheads or the tops of the lips will be sweaty. Signs that someone is loosing their cool.
Others will take a step back to give themselves room to punch you.
Avoiding Body Language Faux Pas When Traveling Abroad
International travel is exciting. New country, new people, new culture, new food. Aside from making sure you having your suitcase packed and the current currency, there are some nonverbal communication tips you should know so you can blend in the culture and lifestyle for the best vacation ever.
Sweden: Swedes aren't as animated as many Americans. So big and animated hand gestures will make you stand out and many Swedes will turn you off.
In check out lines, people will crowd together ignoring the standard personal space of 1.5 to 4 ft in the U.S.
France: Keep your hands out where they can be seen. Place your hands either on the table or on your lap. Otherwise, the French may wonder what you're up to.
Vietnam: When you get someone's attention with you hands. In the U.S. we use our palm up and motion with your index finger. It is an insult in Vietnam. Instead, turn your palm down and move all four fingers towards you to get someone's attention.
Argentina: Intimate space (up to 18") is considered personal space in Argentina. Many Argentinians will stand or sit a little closer to you than you find in the U.S. Simmer down. It doesn't mean that the hottie is necessarily hitting on you.
Italy: Italians talk with their hands constantly to show all kinds of emotions and to punctuate all kinds of thoughts.
Indian: Patting a child's head signifies friendliness in the U.S. In India, touching anyone's head is a sign of disrespect as well as using your feet to point at or touch someone. Feet are considered unclean or dirty.
The best tip is to watch the way the locals interact with each other. Observation is the key to what's considered culturally and socially acceptable.
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