This may sound like a silly topic, but with autumn approaching and the weather changing, it seems appropriate. The other day I got caught out in the rain. Luckily, I had an umbrella with me, but I noticed how others could have been more thoughtful about keeping themselves and others dry. Do we really need a special etiquette for rainy days?
For instance, when passing a fellow pedestrian, you should lift or tilt your umbrella so that it doesn’t hit or catch them. A lot of people tend to walk through, and the spokes of their umbrella hit others in the face. Try to make room for other folks who might also have umbrellas so they don’t get caught. And be careful to not dangle your dripping umbrella over someone’s shoes or bag.
Always wipe your shoes before entering a building. If there’s an awning, stand underneath it and close/shake out your umbrella before coming in. If not, try to shake off excess water on a mat and stash your umbrella somewhere where it won’t drip all over the floor. A handy tip is to keep a plastic bag with you so you can put your wet umbrella in it.
If you’re having a meeting and are damp from the rain, give yourself time to freshen up beforehand. Dry your hands, touch up your hair, wipe the tops of your shoes, and do your best to look professional. You might also consider wearing an outfit that will respond better to bad weather. For instance, a silk blouse will show water marks, but a dark knit dress won’t.
The weather can be the pits, but being conscious of others makes it a little bit more bearable.