You finally find a spot in a packed car park and somebody’s parked over the line so you can’t fit. Or you’ve been waiting for someone to leave and somebody pulls in to steal your claimed space. There are plenty of ways to be an arsehole parker in this world, but few good ways to deal with them. Here’s the best way to handle the situation. More »
Dear Lifehacker, I really like using voice control features on my phone, but have to admit I feel like a weirdo talking to my phone when others are around. Got any suggestions or etiquette rules I’m supposed to obey or ways I can look less creepy while talking to my phone? More »
It’s easy to argue that the high speed of modern communications makes it too easy to send an angry reply without considering its impact. But the basic rule is simpler: you shouldn’t respond in an angry fashion, whatever the medium. More »
Nobody likes bad news, and delivering it is an uncomfortable job that comes with the very real possibility of ruining someone else’s day. Unfortunately, it’s often necessary. We have a tendency to be a little selfish and prolong the inevitable when offering up unfavourable tidings, but that’s the wrong way to do it. Here’s a better way. More »
Dear Lifehacker,
With Christmas coming up, I’m trying to prepare myself for the gifts I’ll be receiving. I don’t really know when and how to respond to gifts that are too expensive, too lousy or just plain poorly thought-out. Are there any simple etiquette rules to properly responding to gifts?
Sincerely,
Unsure How to Say Thank You More »
If you’ve lived in the world you’ve waited in a line, and at some point in your life — if not many — someone has jumped into the queue and made you wait longer. There are a variety of “line cutters”, some with good reasons and others without, but it’s generally infuriating all the same. Here’s how to deal with people who jump the queue, regardless of the situation. More »
Dear Lifehacker, I have a few coworkers that always seem to be at my desk talking to me. Whether I’m in the middle of a task and obviously working or I’m trying to talk on the phone or I’m having lunch or a snack at my desk, these folks keep coming up to socialise. I like them, and our office environment is pretty casual, so I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, but how can I make them stop bothering me when I’m trying to work or eat at my desk? Thanks, Not-So-Chatty Kathy More »
When you live in an apartment building with other people, you’re bound to encounter at least one tenant who is a bit noisier than the rest. Whether it’s excessively loud music, lovemaking or whatever, here’s how to approach the situation without being an equally obnoxious neighbour. More »
It’s Good Manners 101 stuff: don’t barge onto a train or into a lift until the people already on board get a chance to exit. Yet this simple courtesy is often neglected. Are you noticing more people barging impatiently, and how do you deal with it? More »
I, for one, love a good emote. Just like a photo can illustrate a scene more quickly than actually describing it with words (in most circumstances), an emote can convey an emotion or a reaction more succinctly than actually writing it out. But is it ever acceptable to use them in a professional setting? More »
