The Break Room Etiquette

When you work in an office there are specific hidden rules that everyone needs to follow. It's like the secret ninja code for office productivity. And in that code, that dictionary of office lingo, there is a whole section dedicated for the break room.

For those of you who work in a physical office, you may know what I am talking about. Unless you have never been in your office break room. If you haven't, you should. It gets pretty interesting.

Here are the basic rules to know when going dining in your company break room. 

-- Do not heat up Fish, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, or any other food that has a "distinct" odor. Why? Because then everyone else smells it for the rest of the day, and it's gross. You will be the jerk that stunk up the entire office, because you bet your bottom dollar that the odor will spread like a really bad fart. Everywhere. 

-- Don't come in and say the phrase "I know you're on lunch but..." That is just it. I am on lunch, and unless someone is dying, just don't. Think of me as the Season one Nazi Miranda Bailey when you are walking up to me in the break room. This is one of those moments when the golden rule comes into play. You wouldn't want to be bothered with work stuff, so be nice and don't bother someone else. 

-- Keep it to small talk, and short. Unless you are deliberately sitting with someone at lunch, don't strike up a conversation. Ask what they are eating, say yum, and heat up your food. Chances are what they are eating isn't nearly as yummy as yours! 

-- Be that nice person and clear the time on the microwave. Because if you don't then you get a crazy person like me in the office that glares and looks evil when she sees 28 seconds left on the microwave. 

--Your mother does not live in the office. Clean up your mess!! Be the awesome person who rinses their dishes (or washes them) before you stick it in the dishwasher. We have one person in the office who will not rinse off her coffee cup and leaves lipstick on it. The lipstick is waterproof and does not come off. We all hate said person.

Follow these five simple rules, and you will be able to eat in peace in the break room, not to mention you will have the undeniable love of your co workers.