After doing a little research, I have created a few lists that will hopefully be used as a reminder to all of us on how to conduct ourselves as ladies and gentlemen.
The Basics
- The Golden Rule: treat others the way you would like to be treated.
- Say please, thank you and excuse me.
- Look others in the eye.
- Smile.
- Cover your mouth with your elbow pit when coughing and sneezing.
- Avoid pointing.
- Clean up after yourself.
- Wash your hands after using the restroom and before handling food.
- Return borrowed items.
- Send thank you notes.
- Do not interrupt.
- Apologize when appropriate.
- Be honest.
In Social Situations
- Be Punctual. Being early is as rude as being late.
- Introduce those who may not know one another.
- Repeat the person's name who you are being introduced to.
- Knock and/or announce yourself before entering.
- If hosting, invite guests to sit and offer them a beverage.
- Offer help to the host/hostess.
- Avoid talking solely about yourself. Show interest in others.
- Keep negative opinions to yourself. Avoid gossip.
- Avoid talking about money.
- Do not touch others belongings or children unless invited to do so.
At the Dinner Table
- Put your napkin on your lap immediately upon sitting.
- Sit with good posture.
- Keep your elbows off the table.
- Avoid clanking glasses during toasts.
- Wait for everyone to be served before eating.
- Start from the outside and work your way in with utensils. Utensils at the top are for dessert.
- Make as little noise as possible.
- Chew with your mouth closed.
- Do not take a drink with food in your mouth.
- Wait for everyone to finish eating before excusing yourself.
- Thank the cook and/or host and hostess.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Men should always remain confident and take initiative. Ladies should give men the opportunity to be gentlemen. Let the man be the leader.
- Practice good hygiene. Keep perfume/cologne to a minimum.
- Dress appropriately.
- Men open doors. It is ok to announce your intention of doing so. Ladies, let them.
- Do not swear or use vulgar language.
- Do not over indulge when drinking alcohol.
- Men, pull out a lady's chair and offer your seat to a standing woman or child. Ladies, let them.
- Men, walk on the outside of the sidewalk closest to oncoming traffic.
- Men, offer to drive. Pick a woman up at her door and always walk her to her final destination.
- Protect and respect.
- Men, when out to eat ask a lady what she would like and order for her. When possible, pick up the tab. Ladies, graciously accept with no arguments.
- Always take one another's side. Save any disagreements for behind closed doors.
In my opinion, basic etiquette supports traditional roles and I take pride in striving to be polite.
Hopefully this post has been helpful! Please comment with any suggestions for items that I should add to my lists. For example, since I am not a parent, I do not feel qualified to create a list on parenting but I certainly feel as though there should be one.
