Who is this lady? Gosh, between the large hat and the sunglasses, she remains a mystery!
Sunglasses add a charming sense of glamour, while also protecting one’s eyes from the sun. I have noticed the time-honored tradition of removing sunglasses whilst being introduced to someone is often neglected! Whether indoors or outdoors, it is thoughtful to remove your sunglasses when being introduced to or greeting someone.
Removing your sunglasses while greeting someone is a simple sign of respect for another person. Having eye contact is a courtesy and a form of communication when meeting or greeting people; they read not only your eyes but also your facial expressions.
While attending a luncheon fundraiser, I was seated next to a lovely and accomplished lady I had never met before. I felt privileged to be introduced to her. She had tinted silver, mirrored-like sunglasses on the entire time. I must admit, I may not ever recognize her again because I never saw her face. Besides that, it was rather distracting to look at myself in the reflection of her mirrored glasses as we spoke to one another! On another occasion, I was introduced to someone wearing a stunning hat and sunglasses. She looked fabulous, but to this day, I have no idea what she looks like and would be embarrassed not to recognize her, should she know and acknowledge me.
So, long story short: remove your sunglasses when meeting someone, just as you would remove your right-hand glove to shake hands! And then, after an introduction or greeting, it is perfectly fine to put them back on. Of course, if you have eye issues or cataracts, keep your sunglasses on, but acknowledge why you are not taking them off while being introduced.
My sunglasses were on while dining outside at Le Bilboquet, Palm Beach, with Miss Zsa Zsa, avec her orange ball.
Grandmillennial Tips:
At an outdoor sports event, or playing tennis or golf? Take off your sunglasses when meeting others, then put them back on.
Taking a “selfie” with someone? Remember to remove your sunglasses if the other person does not have them on.
When being pulled over by a policeman (yikes!), not only is it a sign of respect to have your hands on the steering wheel at the 10 and 2 positions, but it is also thoughtful to remove your sunglasses as a courtesy.
Forbidden Faux Pas:
No-no: To wear sunglasses inside at a social gathering. (An exception is if you have a reason to wear them. My sunglasses are prescription, so occasionally, I will not have another pair with me and will need to put them on to read the menu.)
No-no: To wear sunglasses or reflective glasses when on a Zoom call or at a business meeting. It may appear that you are trying to hide something, like a poker player.
No-no: To wear sunglasses to a wedding ceremony or a funeral (unless you have a reason to do so). Even if a wedding takes place outside and the sun is out, it is thoughtful to remove them so that the photographs of the event will show who the guests are… and not the “want-to-be-movie stars” in sunglasses!
So, when in doubt, err on the side of courtesy and remove your sunglasses when greeting anyone, even just for a moment… it will always leave a lovely impression!
Xx Holly
P.S. Please be a dear and forward this on to a friend. Perhaps, they will be inspired to subscribe!