Perception
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
Recognize that some people use sarcasm as a shield for mean behavior because they want to seem smarter.
They may not actually understand sarcasm.
one person who lived it
Do not assume an offer of gum implies your breath smells; people often offer it because they are chewing, want to be nice, or are insecure about their own breath.
4 people, independently
Yawn to test if someone is actually staring at you; if they yawn too, they were staring.
People often stare off into space unconsciously rather than consciously staring at someone.
one person who lived it
Recognize that honesty does not equal rudeness.
Most people do not know this distinction.
one person who lived it
Respect people who carry conversations with many people, recognizing it as a difficult task requiring strong organization.
Doing it well implies they have their life together.
one person who lived it
inform new acquaintances or coworkers that you have Resting Bitch Face (RBF) to prevent them from misinterpreting your neutral expression as anger.
It usually provokes a laugh and leads to chit-chat where people relate to having it too.
one person who lived it
Be aware that men sitting alone at bars may be perceived as creepy, which reduces desirability.
It conjures assumptions that he's creepy.
one person who lived it
Be skeptical of people who declare themselves intelligent, as they may have an inflated view of their abilities.
They may be trying to reclaim praise from primary school, whereas truly intelligent people normally do not speak toward their intelligence unless necessary.
one person who lived it
Be aware that society often negatively judges non-drinkers by assuming they are sick, religious, or recovering alcoholics.
People's perception changes quickly when told someone doesn't drink, often defaulting to these assumptions because other answers break their processing routines.
one person who lived it