The Mirror Lifestyle Content

Advertisement

Managing your personal image— Avoid unconscious mannerisms!

Managing your personal image— Avoid unconscious mannerisms!

One misconception held by a lot of people is the assumption that one’s image is only affected by what they choose to wear, and that in as much as they are well dressed and look physically attractive, then they are automatically absolved of any negative habit they choose to display.

This cannot be farther from the truth. Our behaviour and the subtle bad habits we pick up and display can have a negative impact as to how people regard and respect us as individuals.

The fact that you are the CEO of your company or perhaps hold a management position does not in any way give you the liberty to talk anyhow or behave in a manner that displays lack of etiquette.

We do need to remember that as we progress and evolve in our various areas of responsibilities, there are indeed negative and unconscious habits we want to endeavour to avoid.

We mentor people, we hold respectable positions therefore more is expected of us.

Picking your nose

It’s true that because we live in dusty environments, once in a while our nostrils can get clogged up with particles which can be very irritating to the nose.

Obviously we need to get these out of the nose. This can be achieved when we use a little tissue or handkerchief if tissue is not available to clear it up.

It’s unsightly to watch someone digging furiously into the nose with their bare fingers as if there is some gold tucked in there they are searching for!. It’s just so unhygienic.

Strive to resist the temptation to pick your nose.

Scratching your armpit or groin

I went over to visit a proprietor of a school and was shocked when she lifted her left arm and started scratching her armpit right in front of me! In fact, I did not know where to look as it was so embarrassing.

The worst part is with guys who will actually scratch their groin thinking that it makes them manly or that it comes naturally. Wrong! It’s so gross.

The next time you do get an itch somewhere in your private area kindly rush to a toilet or lock yourself up somewhere and scratch to your satisfaction.

Belching loudly

It’s natural after a good meal to feel happy and relaxed. But to announce it with a loud belch is so uncalled for. Belching is brought about through swallowed air and excessive gas found in most soft drinks and beers.

Should you have a tendency to belch, and loudly at that, learn to eat slowly to avoid swallowing air. This is released when you belch.

Furthermore, avoid fuzzy drinks which come along with a lot of gas. They have the tendency of increasing belching.

Picking your teeth

Ridding ones teeth of debris after a meal is not bad in itself, since it goes a long way in preserving the quality of your teeth and gums.

The problem lies in the style and manner in which it is done. Exposing your teeth to the public and picking your teeth is definitely not the way to go.
And even worse is using your fingernails to dislodge that piece of meat wedged tightly between your teeth.

This can be very unsightly so if you really must pick your teeth please cover your mouth or better still get a dental floss which is more efficient and safer. You can get one from a good supermarket or pharmacy shop.
Have a positive weekend.

Shifting your private package around

When your pant, G-string or boxer short runs into the crevice of your bum, are you so desperate to get it out that you forget the environment you find yourself and pull them out. What an eyesore! Equally irritating to observe is when guys actually shift their package to get them to hang or sit comfortably in their trousers in public view! So gross! Then there are guys who every two minutes want to check if their thing is still there and will lift, hold and shift it all in the name of being cool.

I seriously beg to differ. It’s not cool at all and displays lack of etiquette. Leave your “THING” it won’t run away! Ladies equally should avoid digging into their behind to get their panties out

Yawning

It’s not in good taste to yawn loudly or yawn without covering your mouth. Sometimes the foul air that emanates from a large yawn when inhaled by any onlooker is enough to make them faint! Note however, that yawning frequently is indicative of several factors. It may be that you are seriously hungry, tired or bored stiff. So identify which of them may be triggering your yawning and work at it. Remember too that yawning is infectious and watching someone yawn is enough to trigger one from you. That provides you with advance warning so you get to cover your mouth while you await your yawn.

Spitting in public

Spitting in public displays a gross lack of etiquette and manners and a strong disrespect for your fellowman. It’s true that you may accidentally inhale a nasty smell, why don’t you just block your nose and walk away briskly from the area. It’s really sad to see respectable people spit all over the place. If you are pregnant get a discreet container and spit into it. The nose is an organ for smell and I fail to see the connection between smelling something and spitting out simultaneously.
.

Ensure that you are not in any way contributing to spreading diseases by leaving globs of saliva all over the place and making people step into it!

Blowing your nose loudly

Does your nose sound like the trumpet call when you blow it? Or does it sound as if cymbals are clashing? Catching a cold can be very distressing we all know, but please take into consideration the environment you happen to be in when blowing your nose.

Why spread cold when you can share love? Nobody wants to catch your cold that’s why they run from your sneezing trumpet call. So the key to success is this. If you really must sneeze, excuse yourself before the act. Inform those around that you will be blowing your nose. They are likely to respond with sympathy to your condition and empathise with you..

Talking with your mouth

Never ever speak with your mouth full. It’s very unhealthy and you can easily choke on your food or the object in your mouth. This particular habit must not be entertained during meals. No one cares to know what the contents in your mouth look like by watching you eat and then talk at the same time. They could easily lose their appetite by just watching you blubber all over. Now that’s not fair, is it? So when talking or responding to a question, ensure that your mouth is all cleared and wiped before you reply.

There are many more that are not stated here. In managing our image we need to identify and avoid these bad habits and negative unconscious habits that can cast a negative slur on the image we have worked so hard to create and maintain.

• The Writer is a Certified Image, Fashion and Etiquette Consultant
She provides Corporate & Personal Training on Grooming and Etiquette
She also runs KOBADEM Boutique.
Email- [email protected]
www.facebook.com/kobadem
Mob- 0206471765.

 

Connect With Us : 0242202447 | 0551484843 | 0266361755 | 059 199 7513 |