status work
Man, I was hit in the metaphorical face with an example of a status interaction (in the Johnstonian sense) today.
I was in the break room at work, heating up my TV Dinner (Amy's Raviolis, really good). It had about a minute to go, when someone else came in with their own microwavable meal.
This is always an awkward situation, because it's clear you're holding them up. If there were more time left, they'd leave and come back, but with only a minute left, they stay.
Anyhow, I immediately slumped my shoulders and looked at the floor. Then I yawned. I puffed out my cheeks and made a non-commital affable slacker kinda noise.
In short, I made myself as non-threatening as possible, portraying myself as a happy-go-lucky, loveable, tired employee.... as if to say I AM SORRY I AM IN THE WAY OF YOUR FOOD. I AM NOT A THREAT. PLEASE DON'T EAT ME.
I did this all subconsciously, only realizing a split second later how ridiculous it was, and how I had defaulted to all this low-status behavior. It was probably even the right thing to do for all I know. It's just interesting.
I was in the break room at work, heating up my TV Dinner (Amy's Raviolis, really good). It had about a minute to go, when someone else came in with their own microwavable meal.
This is always an awkward situation, because it's clear you're holding them up. If there were more time left, they'd leave and come back, but with only a minute left, they stay.
Anyhow, I immediately slumped my shoulders and looked at the floor. Then I yawned. I puffed out my cheeks and made a non-commital affable slacker kinda noise.
In short, I made myself as non-threatening as possible, portraying myself as a happy-go-lucky, loveable, tired employee.... as if to say I AM SORRY I AM IN THE WAY OF YOUR FOOD. I AM NOT A THREAT. PLEASE DON'T EAT ME.
I did this all subconsciously, only realizing a split second later how ridiculous it was, and how I had defaulted to all this low-status behavior. It was probably even the right thing to do for all I know. It's just interesting.