Tag Archives: eye contact

How to exercise

The exercise world is a tricky one, but having joined a gym and been to 3 whole classes, I will be your guide. It is very important to fit in when attending an exercise class. The things to wear are black leggings and an artfully slouchy, extremely expensive top type thing. I have achieved this look by simply locating a rather grubby, shapeless pajama top, and sticking my shoulder through the arm hole. I cannot tell you how impressed the other class-goers are. (I mean this literally. The shoulder through the arm hole thing means turning is very difficult, and I have hugely compromised my peripheral vision).

 Once in the class, stand next to a woman who looks the least physically intimidating. (Inexplicably, several women rushed to stand next to me, but I assume that was simply because they wanted to know where I had bought my excellent exercise top).

 At all points in the class, maintain eye contact with the teacher. This will not only tell everyone else in the class that you are here to exercise, but will also help to prevent terrible mishaps such as a wrong-direction lunge, or a misunderstanding of the phrase ‘and release’.

Even the shortest exercise class feels like practical evidence for Einstein’s theory of relativity. I have found it helpful, therefore, to wear a watch, just to reassure oneself that time is continuing to pass, despite all evidence to the contrary. Unfortunately, the only working watch I currently own has somehow set itself to beep every half hour, a constant high-pitched obstacle to my very first instruction: fit in. 

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Don’t whisper compliments, and other handy hints

This week, I will be meeting some new people. I am terribly good at meeting new people. I know lots of you absolutely hate meeting new people, so I thought I’d share some handy hints:

1. It is imperative to say your own name loudly and clearly when you first meet.

They will perhaps try to tell you theirs in return. It is much less important to listen to this. Personally, I often repeat my own name at this point. You know, to be helpful.

2. People hate it if, when you first meet them, you scan the room to see if there is anyone better to talk to. Avoid this by locking and maintaining eye contact with them at all times.

This will make sure they realise that you are a good person, rather than a social-climbing psycho.

3. Sometimes, whilst talking to a new person, you will notice that they are exceedingly dull. It is best in this circumstance to make an excuse, so as to not hurt their feelings. (Yes, boring people have feelings too. Apparently). Excellent excuses include: ‘I have to go to the loo. (short pause) For a poo.’ It is imperative to add the second part of this sentence, or else they may attempt to accompany you to the toilet. If they still offer to accompany you they obviously have some sort of fetish, and might be more interesting than they initially appeared.

4. Some new people will attempt to ingratiate themselves with you by asking prying and personal questions about your private life. I find a good defence to these intrusive probings is lying. ‘What do you do?’ The new person might ask. ‘What is the coolest job you can think of?’ You reply, smilingly. ‘Oh yes, I am indeed an ice-cream taster. I know. It’s oddly well-paid.’

5. An effective way to get new people to like you is to flatter them. Pick something noticeable about them, and compliment them on it. ‘You have really great large ears,’ I once told a chap I had just been introduced to.

‘In fact, I’m going to talk softly, because I’m sure you will still be able to hear me perfectly.’ (I’m not sure he actually could hear as well as the size of his ears suggested, because he did not seem to appreciate my compliment at all. I possibly shouldn’t have whispered it).

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