Cross & Uncross
Last week, I visited a Detroit law firm on the same day that fall arrived in Michigan. When I awoke early that morning and began my daily search of various news websites, I discovered the temperature had plummeted to 39 degrees. By the time I walked to the firm, I knew it was again time to once again go through my apartment in search of gloves.
I delivered my Rules of Engagement (business etiquette) program to a group of new and junior associates. Afterward, several participants approached with personal questions, one of which reminded me of how cultural norms can vary dramatically around the country.
A young woman who is just starting work asked whether it’s appropriate for her to cross and uncross her legs. I answered that around the country, she’ll see lots of women cross their legs. However, ladies who possess the best manners opt to cross their ankles. (Think Queen Elizabeth.) When wearing a short skirt, women should absolutely avoid the possibility of over-exposure by crossing their legs.
Men have a bit more leeway when it comes to crossing their legs. In fact, it’s considered better form for a gentleman to cross his legs than to sit with his legs spread widely apart.
The people of Detroit, however, should keep one additional fact in mind: In recent years, Detroit has become home to a large population of immigrants from the Mid East. In the Middle East, showing the bottom of one’s feet or shoe is taken as an absolute insult. That means lawyers in Michigan have an extra reason to keep both their feet planted firmly on the ground.
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