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What Is Social Etiquette?

Social etiquette is unfortunately a lost art that is not taught very much in our modern day and age. It’s about showing yourself and the people around you respect, which, believe it or not, is in quite short supply these days.

It refers to the various social behaviours that occur between your family, friends and colleagues or even strangers. Proper social etiquette requires following certain social norms in order to live and coexist with others in harmony. It also plays a role in how others perceive and treat you. If done right, it can help you establish trust and reliance and even assist with the building of long-term relationships.

Below we show you some social etiquette rules that you can follow in order to be polite and thoughtful.

  1. Be chivalrous 

Offer your seat to ladies, especially those who are pregnant, older people or people who are in poor health.

  1. Be conscious of how you sit

Being mindful of this is especially important while commuting due to the limited space available.

  1. Let your waiter approach you

It’s generally considered rude to shout or wave in order to get your waiter’s attention while dining. If you really need to get their attention, be patient and wait for the right moment to subtly call them over…

  1. Don’t discuss sensitive issues in public

Be cognisant of the people around you and don’t make them feel uncomfortable by discussing sensitive topics in front of them. Save the conversation for somewhere private.

  1. Always tip your waiter

Tipping, in some cases, is needed for certain employees to make a decent income. It is therefore polite to always leave a tip to show your appreciation. It’s also a good idea to tip at places that you normally wouldn’t, like at the dog groomers.

  1. Use the words “excuse me”

If someone bumps into you, even if you’re not to blame, it’s polite to say excuse me to avoid conflict. 

  1. Use a coaster

Using a coaster communicates mindfulness and respect. It also saves your host from having to wipe up your water rings from their table after you leave.

  1. Always say “please and thank you”

These words go a long way, especially to the ones who are closest to you.

  1. Make a conscious effort to smile

Smile at the cashier, the waiter, your colleague and your neighbour. Even if they don’t smile back. It shows that you’re polite and puts you in a good mood.

  1. Hold the door for the person behind you

If you are going through a door and there are people behind you, hold the door for them. They will feel valued and appreciate the small gesture. Likewise, if someone holds the door for you, remember to say thank you.

  1. Take phone calls outside if possible

If you’re at work or at the movies, for example, it’s polite to take phone calls outside, so as not to disturb people. 

  1. Forgive people’s faux pas

Every now and then you’ll run into people who treat you badly, whether it be a rude salesperson, a nasty driver, or a bad-tempered colleague. Give them a pass. Most of the time you have no idea what is going on in their lives to cause them to have treated you this way. 

Maybe someone close to them recently passed away or they just lost their job. Whatever the reason, there is no need to respond in kind. Like the famous Frozen song says, just let it go.

  1. Look people in the eye

When people speak to you, it’s polite to look them in the eye. Just don’t look too intently, as this can come across as you being aggressive.

  1. Let someone go ahead of you in the queue

This kind gesture goes a long way and is an easy way to show someone you care. 

  1. Cough or sneeze away from the person

Cover your mouth and nose too! This year’s flu season has been brutal, and with most people’s immune systems being lowered due to mask-wearing and staying indoors for the last two years, it’s quite easy to spread a virus.

  1. Learn people’s names

People really appreciate it when you remember their name and even more when you get it right the first time. It communicates to them that you care enough to pay attention.

  1. Write thank-you notes

Someone took the time to buy and give you a gift, so you should take the time to write a thank you note to show your gratitude. It’s just polite to do so.

  1. Put your smartphone away when eating

Put your smartphone away when eating and focus on holding engaging and meaningful conversations with family and friends.

  1. Be on time

We are all busy, so be respectful of people’s time and don’t make people wait for you.

  1. Clean up your pet’s mess

Avoid an embarrassing situation where others have to see, or worse accidentally step into your pet’s mess. See other pet etiquette rules here.

  1. Don’t neglect to RSVP

If someone invites you to an event, don’t forget to RSVP as soon as possible. This communicates that, even if you are unable to attend, they are still important to you. 

  1. Dress for the occasion

Dress appropriately for an event, i.e. follow the dress code for weddings and other fancy events, dress modestly for a funeral, and please, whatever you do, leave your pyjamas at home. Don’t wear them to the shops or anywhere else.

References and citations

Sources:

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