Etiquette...

Etiquette

What is Etiquette?

Etiquette is a fancy word for good manners.  These are rules that each culture adopts over time.  Some are written, some are unwritten.  Etiquette is meant to help us interact with one another with mutual respect.  As the world becomes more connected and we interact increasingly with people from other cultures and countries, knowing, learning, and observing etiquette is increasingly important.

When you practice etiquette -- or good manners -- you are showing respect to the people around you AND showing your own values and character through your actions or words.

A few simple rules of North American etiquette include:

1. 1.Greeting relatives, friends and acquaintances with warmth and respect.
   

2. 2.Refraining from insults or prying curiosity
   

3. 3.Offering hospitality to guests
   

4. 4.Wearing clothes that suit the occasion
   

5. 5.Contributing to conversations without dominating them
   

6. 6.Offering assistance to those in need
   

7. 7.Eating neatly and quietly
   

8. 8.Avoiding disturbing others with unnecessary noise
   

9. 9.Following rules of an organization when you become a member
   

10. 10.Arriving on time
    

11. 11.Comforting those who are grieving
    

12. 12.Responding to invitations promptly
    

13. 13.Acknowledge gifts with thanks (like a thank you note)
    

Top 10 Dining Mistakes **

1. 1.Chewing or speaking with food in your mouth
   

2. 2.Holding the knife like a dagger or your fork like a cello and putting cutlery, once used, back on the table.
   

3. 3.Putting purses, keys, gloves, etc. on the table
   

4. 4.Finishing your meal long before or after everyone else at the table has ended their meal.
   

5. 5.Slouching or squirming in your chair, or tilting or chair back
   

6. 6.Picking or poking at your teeth
   

7. 7.Leaving lipstick smears on your glassware
   

8. 8.Smoking - wait until the meal is over (and please don't use your plate as an ashtray)
   

9. 9.Flapping the napkin to open it and putting it on the table before the meal has ended.
   

10. 10.Buttering all the bread at once -- tear off each piece and butter it before you eat it
    

** From Mary Mitchell, Ms. Demeanor, a syndicated columnist and author.