A great way to blend in and build rapport or trust within your community is to copy their behaviors and ways of doing things. [2] X Research source [v162135_b011]. 27 September 2022. Adapt to your environment by bringing a reversible jacket or a different colored undershirt for multiple options. Change color like a chameleon and fit into your surroundings. [3] X Research source In a general setting without a like-minded group, aim for the middle-ground. Somewhere between the tightest and loosest clothes, between the brightest and most muted colors. Find a happy medium between neatest and sloppiest. Make sure if someone were to describe your appearance they’d also be describing several others in the group. Wear what others are wearing. The way we dress and say a lot about wanting to attract attention or not. [4] X Research source [v162135_b011]. 27 September 2022. People in specific locations and climates dress to their needs and local fashion. Find the trends and fashion most popular in your area and start fitting in.
In many Europe locations, for instance, counting on your fingers begins with the thumb. Therefore, if you want two of something, start with the thumb and then the index finger. [5] X Research source Be comfortable even if someone is in your personal space. In Korea it’s normal for male friends to physically be very close to one another. Personal space may be respected in America, but in some cultures it’s not treated the same way. In Korea it’s not uncommon for friends to hold hands, sit together closely, and be much closer than traditionally acceptable to Westerners.
If you are finished with a test in class before anyone else, wait until others finish before putting your pencil down and leaving the room. When walking in a group of people, aim to be in the middle of the pack. If you’re leading everyone is going to notice. If you’re dragging behind, pick it up and get ahead of some people. Avoid being in charge. Authority is often despised, and rebellion to it is even part of our psychological makeup. [6] X Research source Even when marooned with several strangers, it’s important not to be seen as an authoritarian or as the person controlling affairs. [7] X Research source
If going into a business environment, find out if it’s a business-casual or business dress, and then dress appropriately. Dress in team colors if you’re going to be at a sporting event, but make sure you aren’t in the front row. You don’t want to end up on the jumbotron where extra attention could blow up in your face. [9] X Research source You can even plan ahead for some sporting events and get tickets with less camera visibility. Learn the appropriate actions at an unfamiliar event. If going somewhere for the first time, know the customs beforehand. For instance, applause during movements is frowned upon during classical music. [10] X Research source
Turn off your cell-phone. Avoid calls and texts the same. Set your voicemail to let everyone know you’ll be out of the loop for a while. Let emergency contacts know where you’ll be and how to reach you otherwise. Don’t check your personal email. Work email may be unavoidable, but personal email can wait. Set an “out of office” auto-reply, or pretend you’re on vacation. [12] X Research source Log out of social networks. No tweets, snapchats, or facebook messages. Imagine you are trying to avoid revealing a show’s cliffhanger secret or the final score spoiler.
Leave your house at a different time each day. It’s unlikely someone will wait extraordinarily long if you don’t leave at a consistent time. Change your route to normal daily locations. Try the interstate one day, side roads the next. The key is to make it more difficult for someone to perpetually be where you are. Make unexpected stops. Try going to a quiet library or coffee shop periodically. Go somewhere out of the ordinary on a whim. Be unpredictable so you are an unknown to those around you, and difficult to find for those who know you.
