Etiquette Expert Gives Tips when Caught Standing Under the Mistletoe

With December comes the company holiday parties and a chance you'll be caught standing under the mistletoe. For many people, the year-end holiday party is viewed as a fun, carefree gathering of colleagues. But, etiquette experts say the mistletoe has some special considerations if one is to avoid "mistletoe misconduct."

In a Dec. 14 press release, etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore outlines some simple tips to consider before finding yourself in a potentially awkward situation under those innocent-looking sprigs of mistletoe hanging overhead.

To begin with, kissing a co-worker or work colleague is generally a bad idea. The best defense, therefore, is to locate the mistletoe as soon as you arrive at the party and take care not to end up under its shadow.

If you do find yourself under the mistletoe - and are a woman with a male colleague - Whitmore says you should take control of the situation and initiate what she calls the "air kiss." In other words, initiate a hand shake and lean in close and gently touch his cheek with your cheek while making a soft kissing sound. If you're the male part of this unexpected encounter, kindly give your female co-worker a kiss on the hand. In either case, don't linger under the mistletoe or make more of the situation than necessary to be kind and respectful.

If you find yourself under the mistletoe with a relative, it's perfectly acceptable to give him or her a soft "cheek kiss." Whitmore says this can be done comfortably and symbolizes nothing more than good wishes. She also suggests keeping your hands on your relative's upper arms or shoulders, maintaining appropriate personal space. If that relative is a small child, Whitmore says a motherly or parental kiss on the forehead is appropriate.

Meeting a friend under the mistletoe can be awkward if the other person wants to be more than just friends. In that case, don't send any mixed messages. Deflect any attempts at lip kissing by turning your head and offering your cheek. Anything more, says Whitmore, can send mixed messages. If the limits on the friendship are mutual, a "corner to corner kiss" is acceptable. In other words, allow the corner of your lips to just barely touch the corner of your friend's lips. A short, upper body hug is also acceptable in that circumstance.

If you find yourself meeting someone you don't know under the mistletoe, a handshake is the best option. Whitmore suggests always carrying your drink in your left hand so your right hand is free for a handshake.

The one time a full, more lingering lip kiss is acceptable is when you meet your significant other under the mistletoe. In all other cases, have fun and be yourself, but don't cross those unwritten lines that either threaten your professional reputation or in any other way may lead to trouble.

Source:

Press release, "The Clarisonic Mistletoe Manifesto: Make Merry but be Wary When Exchanging Kisses Under the Mistletoe;" http://www.prweb.com/releases/mistletoe_kiss/Clarisonic/prweb576658.htm