Does your partner glare at you when you burp in public?
Yes, it is a bad habit and should be checked. But, it is not the only one. Many a time, we tend to do things casually without giving a thought to what people may think of us. It is not that we have to think about others’ reaction always, but certain habits must and can be checked when in public places. Now, this is not about curbing your freedom but about accepting the norms for a change. Discipline and civility is no enemy of freedom. One should understand this first before proceeding with the article.
We have to behave a certain way in public and that, my friend, is the accepted norm. If we do not care, other people are not to be blamed for thinking low of us. Let us ponder a few such habits that should be checked in public to prevent them from hampering our social image.
Talking with your mouth full
Trust us, it looks disgusting. Do not be surprised if someone leaves the table when you do that. Besides, it may also cause you to choke over your food. So, just be patient, chew your food properly and avoid talking while you are at it. In case you are having an important meeting, listen, and do not talk, at such moments. Swallow your food and then respond to the person sitting in front of you. With some practice, you will be a pro at it without anyone actually noticing.
Picking your teeth
If there are food particles stuck in the gaps of your teeth, wait till you get home, or at least, to the restroom. There is no reason to start picking your teeth in public. To be straight and short, it looks dirty. Try doing that in front of the mirror. You will know exactly what is being said here. Go home, brush your teeth and get rid of your irritation. If it does not help, you can even use charcoal floss to clean your teeth. It is organic and has no side effects, hence recommended. Brushing your teeth after every meal is unwise, as it may cause toothbrush abrasion. However, if you use a bamboo toothbrush, such risks are lower.
Staring at the mobile when someone is talking
We tend to do that, yes, a LOT! We are so much addicted to the tiny handheld device that we ignore an entire person sitting in front of us. It is a bad habit and may cause the person to feel ignored. Keep your mobile phone in your pocket when you go to meet someone in real-time. Talk to the person, maintain eye contact, smile and respond, if you need to. It will create a positive social image of yours. Do you think it is too much? Well, do not blame anyone when people start avoiding meet-ups with you for no reason.
Interrupting at the slightest chance
Some people just love to talk so much that they tend to forget that other people may also have something important to say. They keep interrupting their peers and passing opinions in the middle of a speech. It is a weird habit that needs to be checked. If you listen to someone talking and pay attention, s/he may do the same when it is your time to talk. If you do not like to be interrupted, do not interrupt. It is that simple.
Binge-drinking
So you have a party at a friend’s place, or in some restaurant, where alcohol is included in the menu. Even if you crave a few more drinks, check yourself. It does not give out a great impression if you get drunk and start throwing tantrums in public. You may enjoy it, but what is the guarantee that others will? Then again, if you are outside, remember that you have to get home too. And no one needs to tell you about the perils of driving when drunk. So, be cautious.
Popping a chewing gum
No, that is NOT cool! You may think it is, but no. It can be irritating, and even annoying to the people around you. If you cannot help but pop your gum in public, do not chew gum in the first place. In many interviews and formal gatherings, chewing gums are even prohibited. So please, the next you pop your gum, make sure that there is no one around you.
Digging nose or ears
It goes without saying how disgusting it appears to the people with and around you. You may even have an infection, but no one will care to understand. They will cringe and probably move away. Such actions are sometimes quite involuntary, but if one is careful, s/he may avoid it easily. The best way to do that is by cleaning your nose and ears every day while bathing. You can use baby cotton buds that are gentler and less abrasive. However, make sure that you opt for an organic one, as most plastic cotton buds are banned.
Talking loudly over the phone, hurling abuses (even if playfully), swearing, staring at others, snatching food from someone else’s plate, throwing trash around, and examples of more weird habits that should be checked. If you can think of others, let us know!