Awkward situations
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Approach the person in a way that does not violate their feeling of personal safety.
If you create an uncomfortable situation, you have lost.
one person who lived it
Ignore the statement completely and provide no response.
A response may make things worse rather than better.
one person who lived it
Play dumb by asking if you owe them a smile, making them feel embarrassed instead of you.
This makes the other person feel conscious and shifts the embarrassment to them.
one person who lived it
State that you only smile when you witness something stupid or find something funny.
One source notes this works best if followed by an actual smile.
one person who lived it
If you do not care about the asker's opinion, say 'No, thank you' and immediately walk away.
This approach is described as effective when you are indifferent to the asker's thoughts.
one person who lived it
Consider that tourists may prefer cards because they are cautious about carrying large amounts of cash that could be stolen.
Cash can be stolen more easily than cards.
one person who lived it
Place a phone displaying a message or picture on the other person's desk, then sit back down and smile when they look at you.
One person reported this started a conversation in a quiet library and was described as cute.
one person who lived it
Say 'It's a long story' and act bored to signal disinterest without making others uncomfortable.
Acting bored shows you don't care to respond right now and won't make others uncomfortable.
one person who lived it
Advise foreign visitors to withdraw cash from an ATM to simplify transactions and obtain receipts for expenses.
It makes life easier and provides a receipt for business or travel expenses.
one person who lived it
5 more on this
Have a specific reason for starting a conversation to avoid confusion if the other person's friendliness was just politeness.
The other person might have been smiling just as a polite gesture rather than a signal of interest.
one person who lived it
Prepare a witty humorous response in advance so you have an immediate answer ready.
Having a prepared response reduces awkwardness by providing a witty answer immediately at hand.
one person who lived it
Politely decline to discuss the topic and immediately change the subject to divert the conversation.
Declination and changing the topic diverts the conversation.
one person who lived it
Allow yourself to smile if the comment itself amuses you, rather than forcing a reaction based on your mood.
one person who lived it
Ignore the comment and maintain your current expression without speaking.
one person who lived it