What To Do If You Beat Your Friend In A Race
You and a friend sign up for a race together—her idea—and you finish before her. How do you handle the awkward situation?
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Etiquette expert Lizzie Post, great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post, knows a thing or two about the rules of the road—and the descendant of the famous decorum diva is a runner too!
Last weekend, I beat my friend in a race we were doing together. She was the one who urged me to push harder if I wanted to—but now she won’t return my calls. How do I bring it up?
With etiquette, I try to look at all sides before assuming. It’s possible to chalk her silence up to a hectic week. While it’s not polite, it can be easy to let a few unreturned calls slide. On the other hand, if after two or three weeks she’s still not responding, it’s time to ask if everything is okay.
Rather than assume she’s upset about losing to you, instead try, “Hey Bree, I just wanted to check in and see if everything is okay. I haven’t heard from you since the race. I miss my running buddy.” This is a kind way to both express to her that you miss her company and also to open the door to air any emotions she’s been feeling.
Have a question for Lizzie? Email editorial@womensrunning.com or tweet @womensrunning with the hashtag #ProperForm.
Read More:
How To Successfully Race With Your Significant Other
4 Lessons You Can Learn From A Disappointing Race