I’m going to keep this short and snappy. We all have habits: I have disgusting habits, so does my mother, so does Meryl Streep and David Bowie. Every person on this planet, no matter how beautiful or elegant or prominent, do things subconsciously or mildly consciously that we know are less than flattering, but we’ve done it for so long that we can’t stop ourselves. Men, I hate to say this, but often times you do things that are unbelievable behavior, and it turns others off like a light switch. In my case, once a guy displays repulsive behavior or disrespectful etiquette, that light stays off. Forever. The action might be dirty or rude or insensitive or classless, but I understand that sometimes it’s hard to catch yourself in the act when you feel so blissful doing it in all your ignorance. I feel you, for I also happen to be human. So, here's a quick check list of things for all of us that we may be doing and people ARE watching:
courtesy of anyjazz65
o Smelling your food: Yeah, hi. You walk on your hind limbs and do your business in a designated porcelain receptacle for a reason. If you decided that you’re going to eat it, then eat it. If you’re going to shove the food that someone made for you up to your nose and scrutinize it sensor perceptively, then don't eat it at all
o Texting While Eating: WHY? I’m actually really entertaining if you listen to me. And if you were actually a good friend/ human being, you would pretend to be interested in my rambling. Silence your phone, keep it in your back pocket, and if you really have to take a call, then excuse yourself from the table.
o Biting Your Nails: Ah, this foolish display of hedonism. I am victim to it as well, but we must stop doing this in public and at least wait till we are behind doors until we chow down on our digity keratin. It’s a classless habit that makes all of us look vacant and stupid, especially when we’re about to shake someone’s hands with raggedy fingernails.
o Waiter Incivility: The person who treats people who serve them as subordinates to them are actually way, way below the server, and completely embarrassing. Remember, you’re above no one and when you’re terse or rude to a restaurant waiter just because you were late to work makes you look like a ridiculous fool. And also, tip the right percentage!
o “That’s Just Weird”: Now, I understand that often times we are faced with cultural or ethnic differences that we just don't really understand. However, when you are left with nothing to say and just really can’t comprehend something, DO NOT say, “That’s just weird.” Because it really isn’t. You just don't really know about it, and haven't been faced with whatever situation or instance. Opt for “I never knew that” or “I’ve never though about anything like that,” and take interest in what you’re confronted with. There is nothing more disgusting than ignorance and bigotry.
Ah! There are so many more, and I know you can think of some as well. The main point I want to stress is, living our hectic lives, we tend to forget that there are so many people out there that are just different from us. There is no single ‘I” that is living normally or correctly, but when we forget that, we do things that are just disrespectable to people and the space you share; and consequently, you offend or hurt them, while simultaneously lowering yourself. So, take this advice, take the voices of others into consideration, and eliminate those bad habits. Actually, think of them less as habits, and as actions you take to display your character. You don't want to leave an impression that you’re a brute, and then continuously emphasize that impression every time you take your brutish action. Man up. Just respect!
What are your pet peeves? Another one, we have, unrelated to human interaction is buying mass-produced clothing. There's something very special about designing your own label.
This post was written by Blank Label's Co-Creation Blog fashionista and custom men's dress shirts co-creator Youmi Park.
