Fashion statement, leave me alone, I’ve got a migraine…
What impression does it give? Maybe you don’t care. But why not read about it anyway?
Wearing sunglasses indoors can give the perception that you are pretentious, deceptive, a rock star wanna-be, or someone who does not want to be bothered.
Or, in the minds of the scandal-enthusiasts; “He’s probably high.” Or, “I bet she’s got something to hide…” “Pink-eye!”
So, unless you are world famous or are avoiding your neighbors, you may want to rethink it.
Simply put, no sun, no shades. (Wait, read on; there’s always a “however.”)
Most people agree that wearing sunglasses indoors is “uncool,” especially in the workplace. Agree or disagree, here are few reasons why:
- Unless your eyes are sensitive to light, what’s the purpose?
- Difficult to tell if you’re talking to me.
- It’s awkward when you can’t make eye contact. (It can make others feel reluctant to help you.)
- We rely on facial expressions to communicate; when you’re concealing “the mirror to your soul” it’s a challenge to see whether we connected or understood each other.
- It gives off a get-out-of-my-way vibe; you may be treated according to your vibe.
Possible reasons for wearing sunglasses indoors:
- It’s a fashion statement.
- It’s a certain vibe or impression you’re trying to give.
- You do not want to engage in conversation with anyone.
- You have no place to put them (and there’s no way that you’re going to wear them like a hairband atop your head.)
- You wear transition glasses, which take a while to adjust.
- It’s a habit.
Wearing sunglasses indoors is not the end of the world. What matters most is that you are courteous; that you smile and have a pleasant demeanor. And, because you are a considerate person, you might consider removing your sunglasses when speaking to a sales person.
This is a similar dilemma to wearing hats indoors; let’s leave that for a future article.
ASK ROSALINDA
Q: My boyfriend wears his sunglasses all the time, even when we’re shopping or in a restaurant. I’ve asked him to take them off, but he doesn’t think there’s anything wrong with it. Plus, he reminds that he lost his last pair because he took them off and forgot them somewhere. What is the etiquette, and what can do I to make him stop? -Yolanda
A: Dear Yolanda, Asking and explaining to him why it bothers you is all that you can do. Let me ask you; Is he kind to you? Does he have good work ethics? Can you count on him? Is he a gentleman in other ways?
If you answered “yes” to all of these questions, maybe you can overlook his habit of wearing glasses indoors.
By the way, this is a common dilemma; in fact, I included this topic in my book, “Don’t Burp in the Boardroom”
Tip: Buy a nice sunglass case, and when you’re out together offer to hold them for him.
For all of the boyfriends and husbands: Habits can be difficult to break. Let me ask you: Does she want the best for you? Does she have fashion-sense? Does she accept your other quirks?
If you answered, “yes” to all of the above questions, maybe you can accommodate her request once in a while, at least when you’re together.
SOCIAL SKILLS LEADS TO SUCCESS, BETTER RELATIONSHIPS, AND A MORE LIKABLE PERSONALITY
I’m Rosalinda Oropeza Randall, Social Skills and Civility Speaker/Presenter, Media Source, and author of “Don’t Burp in the Boardroom.”
I offer presentations to support HR policies, sales team, managers, as part of the new-hire orientation process, in-home technicians, professional development events, conferences, college/university students, interns. For more information, please contact me.
photo source: dollarphotoclub
