IMAGE GOOFS: Seven things that you should not do in public

Your public life is very visible to those around you. This calls for a degree of self-awareness whenever you are out and about.

Some habits might seem like second nature when you are at home in your private space, but when carried to the public arena, they detract from your otherwise good image. Here are some pointers to what you should avoid.

 1. Removing your shoes in public:

This happens mostly in offices when we are busy working and wish to feel comfortable. The only time you can get away with this is if your feet are hidden away from public view. Bare feet that are visibly peeking under a desk give the impression that you are unprofessional. One way to get around this is to carry a pair of nice flat shoes to wear around the office. Avoid open slippers or sandals.

2. Personal grooming in public:

Do not apply makeup in public. Nobody needs a visual on how you achieve your pretty face. If you wish to touch up your powder and lip-gloss, pop in to the nearest ladies room if possible. If not, hide and do it away from the public glare. The same applies to cutting nails, cleaning ears and so forth.

3. Scratching your scalp in public:

Try to resist scratching your hair especially if you have a weave or braids in. This habit makes you appear as though your head is filthy and unhygienic especially if your weave looks ‘tired’.

4. Speaking loudly on the phone:

If you are in a restaurant or any other place, it irritates other people to hear you yell into your phone. The only time this is permissible is during emergencies. At other times, the best thing to do is to excuse yourself as you take calls.

5. Do not leave the house with rollers in your hair:

It is common to find women strolling around shopping malls with rollers on their heads, flip flops, leggings teamed with short t-shirts worn without a bra.

Once you are seen in this get-up, it becomes impossible for people to envision you as smart even if you later appear well-dressed.

Your beauty mystique tends to vanish when you expose yourself in this untidy manner.

6. Drinking out of beer bottles:

When a woman drinks her beer directly out of a bottle, it makes her appear somewhat masculine or uncouth.

7. Do not adjust your underwear in public.

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(etiquette lecturer.)