When you hear the word “etiquette,” you might think of old-fashioned images like gentlemen in top hats or ladies sipping tea with gloves on. But modern etiquette is all about being polite and respectful in today’s world. Let’s explore some key etiquette tips that can help you be seen as a well-mannered person.
Life can surprise us with awkward moments, like ripping your pants in public. If this happens, you can find solutions online, such as tying a sweater around your waist. Just remember not to draw attention to the problem or let your underwear show.
If you’re out with friends and they want to split the bill, but you only had a small meal, you have two choices. You can either pay for what you ordered or join in and split the bill evenly with everyone else.
Bathroom etiquette is important too! If a stall is closed, don’t try to open it. Also, guys should leave space between each other at urinals if possible. When using the mirror, choose one away from the hand dryer so others can dry their hands without waiting.
When it comes to table manners, avoid blowing your nose at the table. If you need to, excuse yourself and go to the restroom. Also, don’t use a toothpick at the table; handle it privately. If someone else has food stuck in their teeth, discreetly let them know.
If you notice your fly is unzipped, go to the restroom to fix it. If you see someone else with this issue, quietly inform them. When telling someone about a personal issue, like strong perfume or chewing with their mouth open, speak to them privately and kindly.
It’s polite to offer a seat to a pregnant woman, but be careful not to mistake someone as pregnant if they’re not. To avoid this, look for signs like swollen ankles or low-heeled shoes. Stand up silently to let them decide if they want the seat.
Always ask permission before taking a selfie with someone, even if they’re a friend. Avoid taking selfies in bathrooms. Also, steer clear of wearing clothes with offensive logos or words, as they might offend others.
If you don’t want wine, simply cover your glass with your fingers and say, “Not today, thank you.” At the airport, don’t crowd the gate or baggage carousel. Wait until you see your bag before stepping forward.
When using speakerphone, inform the person you’re calling that others can hear them. Avoid heating strong-smelling food in the office microwave. In emails, avoid using all caps, emoticons, or large attachments. Send work emails anytime, but keep business texts within work hours.
If you need to squeeze a lemon, shield it with your hand to avoid squirting juice on others. It’s okay to ask for leftovers at a restaurant, but not after a business meal. On social media, it’s fine to follow your boss on Twitter, but don’t try to befriend them.
Hold a teacup by pinching the handle with your thumb and index finger, while supporting it with your middle finger. For a coffee cup, loop your index finger through the handle and tuck the other fingers into your palm.
Remember, these etiquette tips can help you navigate social situations with ease and show respect to those around you. What other modern etiquette rules do you know? Share them with your friends and stay on the bright side of life!
Imagine you’re in an awkward situation, like ripping your pants in public. Work in pairs to role-play how you would handle it politely and respectfully. Discuss different solutions and share your thoughts with the class.
In groups, simulate a dining experience where you practice splitting the bill and using proper table manners. Discuss how you would handle different scenarios, such as someone having food stuck in their teeth, and share your experiences.
Play a game of charades where you act out different etiquette scenarios, such as offering a seat or handling embarrassing moments. Your classmates will guess the scenario and discuss the best way to handle it politely.
Create a mock email or phone conversation with a partner, focusing on using polite language and proper etiquette. Share your examples with the class and discuss what makes them respectful and effective.
Design a poster with guidelines for taking selfies and using social media respectfully. Include tips on asking for permission and avoiding offensive content. Present your poster to the class and explain your choices.
Etiquette – The customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group. – In social studies class, we learned about the etiquette of different cultures and how it affects communication.
Polite – Showing good manners toward others, in behavior, speech, etc. – It is polite to say “please” and “thank you” when asking for or receiving help from others.
Respectful – Feeling or showing deference and respect. – During the debate, students were respectful of each other’s opinions, even when they disagreed.
Manners – Polite or well-bred social behavior. – Good manners are important when attending a formal event or meeting new people.
Awkward – Causing difficulty; hard to deal with; uncomfortable. – It was awkward when no one knew how to start the conversation at the dinner table.
Dining – The act of eating dinner, especially in a formal setting. – Proper dining etiquette includes knowing which utensils to use for each course.
Bathroom – A room containing a toilet and sink and typically also a bathtub or shower. – In English class, we discussed how to ask for directions to the bathroom politely when visiting a new place.
Social – Relating to society or its organization. – Social studies help us understand how different societies function and interact with each other.
Communication – The imparting or exchanging of information or news. – Effective communication is key to resolving conflicts and building strong relationships.
Private – Belonging to or for the use of one particular person or group of people only. – In a private conversation, it’s important to respect the confidentiality of what is shared.
