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What are the Best Tips for Social Etiquette?
Social etiquette generally refers to proper behavior in everyday interactions with other people, but not etiquette at the table, which is referred to as dinner etiquette or table manners. It is extremely important to demonstrate good social etiquette, but the good news is that it is very simple to learn. In general, one of the best tips for proper etiquette is also the golden rule: treat people the way you would like to be treated.
Social etiquette begins when meeting someone for the first time. It is polite to stand to greet someone, and offer the right hand for a handshake. Previously, men would not offer to shake a woman's hand unless she offered it first, but this is no longer the case. Anyone can and should offer to shake hands with someone they have just met. A handshake should not be too firm or too loose, and the palms should touch, not just the fingers.
It is also important to make eye contact and smile as sincerely as possible. When beginning a conversation with someone, try to have some interesting topics to discuss, or ask some questions. Make an effort to make follow-up comments or ask questions while someone is talking to demonstrate interest, but do not interrupt. In general, it is good etiquette to avoid hot-button issues like politics and religion unless there is a very good reason for bringing it up.
Social etiquette extends to technology as well. When having a conversation with a person face-to-face, it is considered very bad manners to answer a cell phone call or even to look at or send a text message. If it is absolutely necessary to take a call or respond to a text message, make a polite excuse to leave the conversation, and return the call or text privately.
Some of the most basic rules for social etiquette are the most effective. Being polite by always saying "please" and "thank you" goes a long way. Another important point is to make an effort to remember people's names. If invited to a dinner party, it is polite to bring a small gift for the host and hostess unless specifically requested not to. Remove a hat when indoors, and cover the mouth and nose and excuse yourself after coughing or sneezing. When confused in any situation that calls for good social etiquette, simply remember that common kindness will go a long way, and people are much more likely to remember favorably a genuine attempt to be polite and respectful.
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![Making eye contact and smiling can be considered good social behavior.]()
By: vgstudioMaking eye contact and smiling can be considered good social behavior. -
![When invited to a dinner party, bring a thoughtful gift for the host.]()
By: Hadi Yuswanto DjunaeWhen invited to a dinner party, bring a thoughtful gift for the host. -
![It is important to use a tissue when sneezing in public.]()
By: Irena MisevicIt is important to use a tissue when sneezing in public. -
![It's important to listen to a presenter and remain engaged in their message.]()
By: Andres RodriguezIt's important to listen to a presenter and remain engaged in their message. -
![A handwritten thank you note for time or an actual gift is a cornerstone of social etiquette.]()
By: alexskopjeA handwritten thank you note for time or an actual gift is a cornerstone of social etiquette.
Discussion Comments
Dining etiquette is really important for broader social etiquette. Sharing a meal together is one of the most intimate, fun and relaxing things that people can do together. But there are certain conventions that everyone has to observe so that the meal is a good experience for all involved.
You probably know most of them. Don't eat in a slovenly way, be polite, don't abuse wait staff, be generous and equal with the bill, things like that. But I tend to find that people with bad table manners have bad manners in other aspects of their life. If reveals something about their character.
You know, I feel like I meet a lot of people who have no real interest in getting to know the person they are with. You get introduced and then they talk about themselves endlessly, or they only ask you shallow and mostly uninterested questions. This really annoys me and I wish that more people would be conscious of it.
A conversation is a mutual exchange. Both parties contribute, both parties get something out of it. Showing some basic curiosity about the person you are with is a simple courtesy.
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