Manners and Etiquette

Practicing good manners and following etiquette standards allows for others to be comfortable in your presence. It also increases your confidence during social interactions. For those of us in Domestic Discipline relationships, following these social guidelines can also save us from trouble. 

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

1. The Golden Rule: treat others the way you would like to be treated. 
2. Say please, thank you and excuse me.
3. Look others in the eye. 
4. Smile.
5. Cover your mouth with your elbow pit when coughing and sneezing.
6. Avoid pointing.
7. Clean up after yourself. 
8. Wash your hands after using the restroom and before handling food.
9. Return borrowed items. 
10. Send thank you notes.
11. Do not interrupt. 
12. Apologize when appropriate. 
13. Be honest.

In Social Situations

1. Be Punctual. Being early is as rude as being late.
2. Introduce those who may not know one another.
3. Repeat the person's name who you are being introduced to.
4. Knock and/or announce yourself before entering. 
5. If hosting, invite guests to sit and offer them a beverage.
6. Offer help to the host/hostess.
7. Avoid talking solely about yourself. Show interest in others.
8. Keep negative opinions to yourself. Avoid gossip. 
9. Avoid talking about money. 
10. Do not touch others belongings or children unless invited to do so. 

At the Dinner Table

1. Put your napkin on your lap immediately upon sitting.
2. Sit with good posture.
3. Keep your elbows off the table.
4. Avoid clanking glasses during toasts. 
5. Wait for everyone to be served before eating.
6. Start from the outside and work your way in with utensils. Utensils at the top are for dessert.
7. Make as little noise as possible. 
8. Chew with your mouth closed. 
9. Do not take a drink with food in your mouth.
10. Wait for everyone to finish eating before excusing yourself.
11. 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. 

1. Practice good hygiene. Keep perfume/cologne to a minimum. 
2. Dress appropriately. 
3. Men open doors. It is ok to announce your intention of doing so. Ladies, let them. 
4. Do not swear or use vulgar language.
5. Do not over indulge when drinking alcohol. 
6. Men, pull out a lady's chair and offer your seat to a standing woman or child. Ladies, let them.
7. Men, walk on the outside of the sidewalk closest to oncoming traffic. 
8. Men, offer to drive. Pick a woman up at her door and always walk her to her final destination.
9. Protect and respect. 
10. 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.
11. 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.