Introduction to Etiquette Rules
If you are confused about what the word etiquette means, consider the definition as manners or social conduct. There are many types of etiquette such as: etiquette for social gatherings, business meetings, church attendance, school participation and even online etiquette. It might help you to remember that etiquette also requires a code of ethics. These are basic rules that we abide by, to be acceptable to others when we are in attendance of these types of gatherings.
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Home Etiquette
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Families have long traditions of acceptable behavior. Some of these will include verbal etiquette of expression. For example, the uses of: please, may I be excused, excuse me, thank you, and you're welcome would be considered proper verbal etiquette. Table etiquette when dining together brings up these questions: Who is served first? Do you all wait to eat together? Are you allowed to eat something other than what's prepared for you? The answers will vary depending on the relation of the people meeting and the occasion.
Opening Doors
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Who do you open the door for? Whether male or female it is always considered proper etiquette to open or hold the door open for the elderly, sick, children, people with packages or simply the person behind you. In many societies it is still considered the man's place to open the door for women on all occasions. At the very least it is proper to open the door for your date or your spouse.
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Timeliness
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Make a habit of arriving on time or perhaps a bit early but not too early. When invited to a business meeting, social gathering or even a visit to a friend's house, be certain not to overstay your welcome. If you are going to be late or unable to make it, call ahead to let them know and don't keep people you've invited over waiting.
Warning
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It is considered poor conduct to discuss politics, religion, money or anything else which has been known to cause contention, unless of course your host begins the discussion himself. The last thing you want to do is ruin someone's party because the topics caused a heated argument.
Gratitude
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Show gratitude. When people do things for you or go out of their way to help you, be sure you write them a proper thank-you note. When the situation calls for it, give them a small gift as a token of your appreciation. Never be verbose about it or make them uncomfortable, but let them know you appreciate what they've done for you.
Observation
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If you are wondering why someone gets more invites or has more friends than you, or perhaps even gets a position ahead of you when you were first in line, watch how they conduct themselves. Polishing up on your manners can put you ahead and generally makes for a much more pleasant experience as you navigate your way through daily life.
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