When we fail at public social performances, such as accidentally dropping a book in class, how do we repair our mistake?
A) Most people immediately stop what they are doing and launch into a detailed apology.
B) Most people signal that all is okay by quietly indicating that they have performed imperfectly.
C) Most people go on as though nothing has happened.
D) Most people involved in the scene will have an embarrassed reaction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to studies on face-saving behavior, it is most common for people to signal that all is okay by quietly indicating that they have performed imperfectly. This can include laughing off the mistake, making a self-deprecating comment, or acknowledging the mistake nonverbally. This helps maintain social harmony and avoids drawing too much attention to the mistake. Launching into a detailed apology (A) may draw too much attention to the mistake and make others uncomfortable, while going on as though nothing has happened (C) may come across as insensitive or unaware. While some people may have an embarrassed reaction (D), it is not necessarily the most common or effective way of repairing a social performance mistake.

When We Fail at Public Social Performances, Such as Accidentally