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Tip 245: When someone "Pulls Your Leg," release it. |
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Granted, I'm more gullible than the average person. When somebody with a quick wit or a penchant for gags takes me for a ride in conversation, I go right along unaware to the very end. Living in Okinawa at the worldly age of 19, I often talked about my home state of Texas. One day my boss strolled into the office late, with this explanation: "We had to have the pest control people out to my house this morning. Last night I kept hearing this noise in the next room, like shoes scuffling across the floor. Sure enough, when I checked it out this morning, it was a big roachthe size they have in Texaspushing my shoes around in the closet." |
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He became hysterical. And he repeated the story to everyone who would listen for the rest of the day. |
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When someone obviously puts one over on you, let it go. To get angry or "explain it away" ruins the moment. Just accept the fact that you're going to be the butt of the joke on occasion and enjoy the "fame" along with everybody else. |
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Tip 246: Cover your own and others' faux pas with past ones. |
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That's right. If you've just stuck your foot in your mouth with your last comment, you can take the pressure off by making your own history an amusing anecdote. Say something like, "I've got a history here. Charm school I did not attend. In fact, last month . . ." Relate the past blunder along with your embarrassment, and the group will begin to empathize with you. Your "entertainment value" will displace the awkward humiliation of your latest blunder. People are gracious with those who admit their mistakes. |
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With another person's gaffe, use the same maneuver: "Hey, don't worry about it. I've done worse. Did I tell you about the time when . . ." The others in the group will admire your graciousness and "sacrifice" in lessening someone else's embarrassment. And the person you're covering for will love you forever. |
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Tip 247: Tactfully reject questions that are too personal. |
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Often people seem to feel as put on the spot as they did in second grade when their teacher asked them what their dad did for a living. We grow up thinking we must answer all questions asked of us, or at least we feel uncom- |
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