Home is a place where we feel the most at ease. We can let go of a long day’s stress, cut loose, and do what we want without being judged. Unless something unexpected happens (gasps in telenovela).

Redditor Throwra6390 and his fiancée were both at home after a few drinks, with a locked door, starting to get steamy in their living room. Suddenly, they hear the rattling of keys and see their sister-in-law on their doorstep holding her baby. Realizing what she barged in on, she angrily left, shaming them for being indecent and threatening to never bring her kids there ever again.

Getting caught in the act isn’t something one dreams about

Image credits: LightFieldStudios / envato (not the actual photo)

This couple were busted in their own living room and even got shamed about it

Image credits: natalyaraeva / envato (not the actual photo)

Image credits: throwra6390

Expert advises how to diffuse awkwardness when getting walked in on

Getting caught in the act (yes, that act) comes up quite high on the list of nightmares one doesn’t want to experience. Unfortunately, Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak isn’t an option, and all that’s left is to deal with the mortification both parties feel in real life.

Luckily, etiquette experts have covered almost every possible human situation to help us understand how to behave in them, including getting caught when in the mood. In such a scenario, experts advise focusing on manners. “Etiquette is about putting others at ease,” says lifestyle expert, Elaine Swann, to media outlet Women’s Health. And it’s especially applicable in these circumstances, as the other person will feel the opposite after what they just saw.

She advises to be honest with oneself about how upset or possibly angry the observer will be. However, don’t automatically act like it’s something wrong (unless it truly is). If it’s a family member who walks in, this can trigger fears of being in trouble from the young days. But as adults, you can react to the situation like one. Give them space and time without making an immediate fuss or running after them with apologies.

If they’ll for sure be offended, saying a formal apology can help. Even though the thought of it makes your skin crawl, it’s important to do it together. At the same time, it can bring partners together because they’ll be working out the conflict as a team.

When a friend catches a couple mid-action, the treatment should be similar. “Give it some time so the embarrassment can subside, then tell her you’re sorry she had to see that,” recommends Swann. On the other hand, if it’s your wild childhood best friend, you can crack jokes as much as you wish. Making fun of it with parents isn’t the best idea, but it’s completely fine with a close confidant.

The exception is if it’s a roommate who walked in on you during the act in a shared space. In that case, apologize and promise it will never happen again. Propose cleaning and disinfecting every surface touched by body parts as a peace offering, Swann says.

As for processing it within the relationship, it’s best to see it as a fun experience. Experts encourage couples to see the bright side and laugh it off. They can think of it as a great story to reminisce on when they’re all gray and old.

Commenters were on the couple’s side

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