How should I handle my clumsy mistake?

We all make mistakes and for the most part, it’s not a huge issue. We apologize and move on. However, there are those times when we are trying to make a good impression and display the very best of ourselves and something unexpected happens. Perhaps it’s our fault and maybe not. Here is a perfect example of a person doing her best but...well...read on.

Dear Polite One,

I'm somewhat clumsy. I tend to bump into the corner of tables and frequently knock over glasses of water. Recently, I knocked over a glass of water during a business meal with my boss. I was mortified! He didn't get wet, thankfully. I quickly sopped up the water with my napkin and apologized. But I was a nervous wreck throughout the entire meal, even though he told me that it was all right. How should I handle mistakes like this?

Hide the knives!

Dear Hide the knives,

This was an accident. It happens to all of us, especially when we're nervous. Many of us would be at an important meal such as this.

The best approach is to treat it lightly. Apologize, and then, perhaps, say something about hoping that spilling water is good luck. Sopping up the water as you are joking is very appropriate as well.

Best,
The Polite One

Similar Posts

How to Deal With Sticky Family Issues

Dinner Party Etiquette in Four Situations

Hostess Gift, Buffets, and Dietary Dilemmas

Comments

What is California Cocktail Attire?

Dear Polite One , What is California cocktail attire? Thank you, Confused Dear Confused , There is no such thing. At times, it feels as if hosts just like to make these things up to confuse their guests. I’m sure that’s not the case. Still... Many hosts try to create a “feeling,” or more appropriately, “set the stage” for an event. So, they will incorporate a well-known attire category with a word that describes that elusive stage. This leads to the confusion we both feel since neither of us can actually see inside their minds. So, I suggest going with slightly laid-back cocktail attire, which typically is the suit for men and the little black dress or its equivalent for women. Perhaps skip the tie and accessories that appear expensive. Additionally, it is appropriate to call the host and ask for clarification. Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One How to Decode a Dress Code Proper Formal Attire: Benefits, Ballet, and Glove

How to address a divorced woman? Mrs or Ms?

Dear Polite One, Should I use "Mrs." or "Ms." when sending correspondence to a divorced woman? Wondering from Kansas Dear Wondering from Kansas, Both Mrs. and Ms. are proper when addressing a letter to a divorced woman. If you choose to use Mrs., you will use her first name and last name: Mrs. Jane Brown. However, Ms. is the most common title for women these days, because marital status does not define any of us. Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One Too late to send an invitation to Bat Mitzvah? How to reschedule a retirement party? Mother-in-law added names to the guest list!

3 Most Asked Questions About Listing Doctors on Envelopes

How to List Doctors on Invitation Envelope? Dear Polite One , How does one address an envelope for the two following scenarios? 1) The wife is a physician, but the husband is not. 2) Both the wife and husband are physicians, and she used her maiden name. Lots of Doctors Dear Lots of Doctors, The doctor and husband: Doctor Jane and Mr. John Smith The doctor couple: Doctor Jane Jones Doctor John Smith Most sincerely, The Polite One What is the Proper Salutation for Doctor Couple? Dear Polite One , How do you write the correct salutation when both the husband and wife are doctors? Doctors All-Around Dear Doctors All-Around, If you are close friends, you would use their first names. If this is a formal or business letter, you would use the title doctor for both: Doctors Smith, Doctor Sam Smith, and Doctor Tina Smith, or Doctors Tina and Sam Smith. Most sincerely, The Polite One Don’t Know Husband’s Name and the Wife is a Doctor! How to

Got Etiquette Advice?

Search This Blog