Erika Szántó
“…Aaand welcome back to our favorite game show, ‘Make or Break’ where you make or break your relationships and friendships, depending on what you think their social cues mean! Today’s anonymous contestant is G! Hi, G! How are you feeling today?”
“Hi, Quizmaster. Actually, I’m kind of nervous and–”
“Perfect! Now let’s start with our first scenario today.”
You are talking to one of your acquaintances about a special interest of yours. They are slightly smiling and have been staring at you for a while now. What are they thinking?
- A. They are bored and only smile for the sake of being polite.
- B. They are interested in the topic, but this isn’t the best time and place for this conversation, and don’t know how to change the topic or leave the conversation.
- C. They are giving you the death stare in order to signal you to shut up finally.
- D. They are just listening intently.
“I- I think I’m gonna go with, uhm, C? No, A. Yes, final answer A.”
“I’m sorry to inform you, but you’re WRONG! The correct answer is: D! Now they think you are a bit weird, since you stopped talking for no reason and haven’t spoken a word in minutes! Now, let’s see our second scenario with that same person.”
You and that same acquaintance attend a school competition. In the end, you are ranked 3rd, while they are ranked 4th. They come and congratulate you, but their expression is unusual. What might that mean?
- A. It is genuine, you’re just overthinking.
- B. They hate you now, just won’t say it to your face.
- C. They are sad and expect you to comfort them a bit.
- D. They are tired and just want to go home.
“This is tough… Well… Let’s go with C. Final answer C.”
“Wrong again! The correct answer is actually A! Now they think you are strange AND a prick! They will never speak to you again! In today’s episode of ‘Make or Break,’ yet another acquaintanceship was ruined permanently! Thank you for watching, and see you tomorrow!”