Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: How to respond to greetings
• Method 2 of 3: How to respond to criticism
• Method 3 of 3: How to handle an awkward situation

Few people know how to find the right approach to new acquaintances, colleagues and family members. Sometimes it can be difficult to adequately respond to the interlocutor's behavior, especially in awkward situations. Follow our etiquette guidelines and you will be able to properly respond to greetings, respond to criticism, and behave in common social situations.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: How to respond to greetings

1. 1 On “Hello” answer “Hello.”If someone says“ Hello, ”this is a friendlier form than“ Hello, ”so you can answer the same way:“ Hello ”.
2. 2 To the question “How are you?”Answer at your own discretion. If the other person is a friend or family member, respond sincerely, such as “Good,” “Bad,” or “I'm tired.” If you are not speaking to a very close friend and this is just a polite form of greeting, say “Okay” or “Okay.”
3. 3 For “Good morning,” “Good afternoon,” and “Good evening,” reply with the same phrase.
4. 4 To the question “How are you there?”Answer sincerely. The person wants to know what has changed in you since your last meeting.
5. 5 Answer the phrase “We haven’t seen each other for so long” (or “How many years, how many winters”): "Really. How are you there?"
6. 6 If the person says, “Nice to meet you,” respond in kind or “Mutually”. So they say only when they meet. At the next meetings, you can say “I am very glad to see you again”, to which you should answer: “I am also very happy” or “Mutually”.
7. 7 To the question “What’s there?”Answer“ Nothing like that ”or“ Everything is fine. ” This is a very informal greeting that doesn't really require a sincere response.
8. 8 Do not hesitate if, along with the greeting, you shake hands, hug you lightly or kiss you on the cheek. A kiss on the cheek is a common greeting in many countries of Europe and England. A kiss on both cheeks is also often seen around the world as a greeting.
   • If you are from another country, you don't have to reciprocate. However, you should not avoid this greeting or your behavior may seem rude.

Method 2 of 3: How to respond to criticism

1. 1 Don't respond to criticism right away. Sometimes your first reaction is either defensive or fearful, but that won't do you any good later. Remain calm and take a few deep breaths as you collect your thoughts.
2. 2 Find out what the person meant if it was difficult for you to understand his statement. For example, you might say, “I didn't quite get it. Can you be a little clearer? "
3. 3 Rather than defending yourself right away, admit the criticism. If it seems to be true, you should agree and thank the person for telling you this. Your humility will present you in a good light.
4. 4 If the criticism seems to you to be untrue or unfair, pay attention to its source. If this is someone who is constantly criticizing someone or something, or if your disagreement is inappropriate, you can save face by saying, “Thank you for your opinion,” and continue.
5. 5 Consider criticism from multiple people. Most likely, you should take it into account.In this case, also agree and continue.
6. 6 Choose when to contradict and when not. If the person says hurtful or offensive things or slanders you to elders or friends, you should respectfully express your disagreement while staying calm.
7. 7 Maintain your self-esteem. Criticism can be a powerful blow, but responding to it will increase rather than lower your respect for yourself. Reflecting on this, improving yourself, and moving on is a good way to build emotional resilience.

Method 3 of 3: How to handle an awkward situation

1. 1 Say: “I'm sorry to hear that” if someone shares too much personal information with you (in particular, experiences). If the person is “pouring out their soul” and talking about health, relationship, or work problems, they may just want to be pitied. Add: “Hopefully things will work out soon,” but don’t assume that you also need to share something personal if you don’t want to.
2. 2 In tense situations, “disarm” the interlocutor. If you call a customer service center and the operator does not want to fulfill your requirements, or you are arguing with someone, try saying, “I think we got on the wrong foot,” and state your requirements again.
3. 3 Ask the call center operator to remove you from the list. The first time you get a call, say, "Thank you, but I'm not interested." If there are repeated calls, state: “I have been called several times already and I would like you to remove me from the list.”
   • If the operator calls you again, ask him for the company number, dial it and complain to the operator who haunts you.
   • You can also say, “I understand that you are doing your job, but I have repeatedly asked to remove me from the list. I will file a complaint. ” Say politely, “Goodbye,” and give the person another chance. If he even calls after that, then do file a complaint.
4. 4 If you hear insults or nonsense addressed to you, change the subject. By arguing, you can provoke an even more violent reaction in the person. Only disagree if it strongly conflicts with your beliefs. Most of the time, say, “I see you are convinced of this,” and then change the subject or ask permission to leave.