Etiquette

Bad neighbors often have problem pets. The worst of them are barking dogs - often more than one. Dogs that are overcrowded, on a too-short run in a too-small yard tend to bark more - and guess...

When someone dies, so many things have to be done by immediate family members, and so many emotions are going on that food is usually the last thing on anyone's mind. Friends close to the family...

Cigars are associated with distinction, relaxation and sometimes celebration, but unfortunately they also are related to very bad breath. Cigar breath is stale, rank and sometimes very powerful,...

Sending a letter, invitation or other type of correspondence to a member of the military requires addressing the envelope properly. This is proper etiquette, it shows respect and will make the...

We have terrific service from our garbage collector. He never leaves debris, he has been known to run up to the house to get our garbage when we have forgotten to put out the bin, and he is...

Are you tired of your young kids' misbehavior during an otherwise perfect family and friends gathering? When your dinner is ready, are your kids too? If not, don't get too mad at them, instead,...

With the holiday season officially upon us, a lot of people are starting early to prepare the traditional holiday parties, that's great, because one key element for a successful party is to start...

Being the best man is a job that comes with serious responsibilities, including giving a speech in front of all the wedding guests. The opening of the speech sets the tone for what follows, so it...

Starting conversation is not that difficult if you employ a few simple techniques. The act of talking and conversing with people can be a rewarding experience that can blossom into new friendships...

You never know when you might be approached by an alien visitor and it could be beneficial to prepare for your encounter by thinking about how you might act or what you might say or do beforehand.

As we gather with family members, relatives, and friends together for the Thanksgiving dinner, do you ever notice that it's not the grandma's meticulously prepared big bird that makes or bhreaks...

Apologizing for something you did wrong can be a challenge, especially for those stubborn at heart. Sometimes apologizing is the only way to save face in a situation. The art of the apology is...

You have enjoyed an exceptionally nice dinner at a friend's house. It was memorable, and you would like to express your appreciation to the host for the meal and evening festivities. Now, you...

Middle Eastern food is a cuisine of refined art that is influenced by many cultures. The spicy dishes indicate that the Middle Eastern region could have been a source or way station for how...

Whether you are planning a birthday bash, a big reunion party for family and friends or an elaborate wedding reception, RSVP cards are an easy way to plan and organize your event. Including a...

Everyone deserves a second chance. Sometimes, first-date anxiety leads to spilled drinks, uncomfortable pauses in conversation or excessive talking. According to eHarmony, a lack of communication...

Renewing your wedding vows is a wonderful, romantic way for couples to reaffirm their love and commitment to one another in front of friends and family. Just like the first wedding, the renewal...

The term brainstorm appears as both a noun and verb. Although the meaning has changed since the term was first recorded in the late 19th century, it is most commonly identified as a method of...

A credit check reveals the credit worthiness and financial responsibility of an individual. If you are a landlord, supplier, or employer who needs to perform a credit check on a potential...

Many customers show their dissatisfaction with a product or service by walking away from the company for good instead of complaining. But your opinion as a customer is of value to both future...

When meeting an elected official, one worries about the proper way to address that individual. Formal society dictates that both "Mister President" and "President Obama" are acceptable. However,...

A fictitious name, also called a DBA (doing business as), is the name that a business owner gives his company in place of his own first and last name. The fictitious name is synonymous with the...

Two essential characteristics of conduct are behavior and attitude. A code of conduct applies these characteristics when setting ground rules that determine what is, and is not, acceptable conduct...

Cerebral palsy is often a very debilitating disease. Persons suffering from this disease cannot fully control their motor functions (especially their muscle control and coordination). Being around...

Many hospitals have reading programs for their pediatric patients, and most are grateful for your donation of books. Here's how to donate books to children in the hospital.

When it comes to your wedding, bigger does not necessarily mean better. A smaller celebration of 50 people or less has many positive points, like more personal time with each guest and more...

As your daughter matures, her body will change. We all go through it, yet talking about it can be a hard thing for parents to do. However, helping your daughter know what to expect in the months...

Many creditors have fairly strict security and verification guidelines for opening accounts, but information theft is still an area of concern for consumers and creditors alike. Since a thief has...

When it comes to writing letters, addressing envelopes or sending those annual holiday cards, it's easy to become confused about how to make a family's last name plural. People often add an...

While some people are annoyed by the constant influx of credit card applications that come in the mail, others eagerly await the opportunity to peruse a new offer. Many credit card companies allow...

You could increase your sales by up to 70 percent by accepting credit cards, according to CreditorWeb.com. Consumers may even choose to go shop elsewhere once they learn that you do not accept...

Calling cards were an important part of Victorian social life, especially among the well-to-do and social-climbing members of the middle class. Simple and personalized, they carried meaning not...

Show your gratitude for an act of kindness. According to etiquette expert Peggy Post, the words "thank you" are powerful words and capable of bringing happiness and fostering relationships....

If you are having trouble paying your bills or you need some extra cash in hand, you may be able to get a short reprieve from your credit card company on your monthly payments. During this grace...

"Full block" refers to a style of writing a business letter wherein every paragraph aligns flush with the left margin. The "modified block" style varies slightly from the full block style in that...

Online dating is a fast, convenient and increasingly common way of meeting a potential mate. But if you have decided that this method isn't for you, there are a few offline ways you can go about...

You just happened to come across a story that you feel didn't give animals enough consideration. You need to speak up for the voiceless, so how can you make sure your letter to the editor has the...

Have you ever found yourself lost in a conversation? To become a good listener requires some practice and patience. People who need someone to talk to will appreciate a good listener.

A comprehensive how to on how to text message properly. And a few tips on text messaging etiquette.

Sending letters and cards are nearly a thing of the past. although we rarely if ever take the time to sit down and actually put pen to paper receiving them is a joy. The days of running to the...

For one reason or another, chewing tobacco is frowned upon more than smoking. However, many people prefer chewing tobacco for many reasons, but the most common are (1) there is no smoke, so it...

Though gift-giving traditions vary with changing economics and times, the act of gift giving remains a part of most cultures. Giving gifts plays an important part in our connections to one...

Table etiquette is elusive. With all its dos and don'ts, it's hard to memorize all the faux pas. Most people know the bare essentials: don't talk with your mouth full, keep your elbows off the...

Queen Victoria opened the door for women of the United Kingdom to take part in a new form of social life in the late 1800's. The Victorian era introduced the calling card, a form of communication...

Few things are scarier than dealing with a medical situation. Whether it's a first checkup, a new baby, an emergency room visit or surgery, how you are treated by medical staff makes all the...

Today's women age beautifully. A seasoned woman has balance, body, complexity and finish. Like wine, women get better with age. So, how does this new, modern woman introduce a boyfriend when she...

Email and cell phone text messaging are slowly changing the art of the handwritten invitation. Nevertheless, there are rules of thumb that must be observed when handling both formal and informal...

Writing thank you notes is an expression of common courtesy, even among friends. Whenever someone gives you a gift-whether of time, services or an item-you should send a personal thank you. Thank...

The carrot most likely originated in the Middle East in either Afghanistan, Iran or Pakistan about 5,000 years ago. This vegetable is consumed worldwide, and comes in various colors including...

A purchase contract is an agreement between a seller and buyer to transfer ownership of a piece of property. It is most commonly used in the sale of real estate. With a signed purchase contract...