Etiquette is something that is not just for the rich or famous. It’s all to do with being respect for yourself and everyone else in your little world. I personally know that times are changing and it seems like maybe some of these have been done away with; though when you really think about it, with so much rudeness that goes on, just a little thoughtfulness and being polite goes a long ways. Here are a some easy and simple way to shred more kindness in your own little world.
1. Be a Pleasant House Guest
Make your bed. Don’t monopolize the bathroom. Take your hostess out to dinner, or send a gift later. You want to be invited back, right?
2. Never Show Up Empty-Handed
Check out our hostess gifts and housewarming gifts
3. Return Calls
If someone takes the time to leave you a voicemail, take the time to call him or her back.
4. When you Enter a Room, Greet Everyone
No one likes to be ignored.
5. Learn to Say You’re Sorry
Be the bigger person.
6. Skip Controversial or Nosy Topics at Parties
No politics, religion, asking when they’re getting pregnant, or how much weight she lost. We’re all have to have fun not start a debate, remember?
7. Don’t Groom Yourself In Public
Don’t clip your nails, brush your hair, or floss your teeth in public. Because it’s just gross.
8. Take your Shopping Cart to the Corral
Or back to the store entrance.
9. Wipe Down the Exercise Machine After You Use It
Your fellow gym-goers will appreciate it.
10. Bring Food.
Take cookies, soup, or a casserole to a new neighbor, someone who just lost a family member, or a friend who’s had a serious health diagnosis.
11. Thank a Veteran for His or Her Service.
Even just giving a smile or just say “Thank You for your Service"
12. Help Someone Who’s Clearly Struggling.
The next time you see someone straining to reach something on the highest shelf at the grocery store, help her out!
13. Silence Your Smartphone at the Movies
And stop crinkling that candy wrapper so loudly, while you’re at it.
14. Teach Your Kids Good Manners
And lead by example
15. Let People Get Off the Elevator First Before You Get On
The same rule goes for the train and the but
16. Reach Out to People Who Are Grieving
Don’t pretend nothing happened. If you don’t know what to do, simply say you’re sorry.
17. Remember Your Table Manners
Napkin on your lap. No elbows on the table. Chew with your mouth closed.
18. Knock Before You Enter
No one likes to be barged in on.
19. Stay Home When You’re Sick
Some things, like your cold, should not be shared.
20. Be a Good Dinner Guest
Certainly, if you have a food allergy, you can mention it ahead of time. But if you don’t like collard greens or don’t do carbs, don’t announce it in front of everyone and expect your host or hostess to make you a special dish.
21. Wait Until Everyone Has Been Served to Start Eating
No matter how much you want to dig in ASAP.
22. Ask Before Bringing a Guest
Or your kinds. Or your pet. Don’t assume they’re automatically invited, no matter how well you know your host or hostess.
23. Push Your Chair In When You Leave a Table
Don’t make someone else do it for you.
24. Wait a Day Before Reacting to a Snarky Email or Text
We know it’s tempting to slam the person immediately, but that often backfires.
25. Clean Up After Yourself
At home. At work. At a friend’s house.
26. Ask Permission to Use Someone’s First Name
Yes, it’s a super-casual society, but it’s never wrong to use a title until you know what the person prefers.
27. Park Your Shopping Cart On the Side of the Aisle
Not in the center! The rest of us are shopping too.
28. Wash Your Hands After Using the Bathroom
Because just… eww!
29. Use Your Turn Signal
It’s not just courteous, it can help avoid an accident.
30. Dress for the Occasion
Know how to rock it for the club or dress modestly for a funeral. And please wear your PJs at home, not to the grocery store!
31. Don’t Bring Your Smelly Leftovers to the Office
Or at least eat stinky foods in the break room, not at your desk.
32. Shake Hands Firmly
And stand and make eye contact when you do it.
33. Keep the Noice Down at Work
Silence the ringer on your smartphone, speak quietly, and turn the sound down on your dinging email so it’s not bugging everyone in the other cubicles.
34. Curb Your Potty Mouth
We know it’s satisfying like nothing else! But would you want your Grandma to hear? Or your kid?
35. Ask Before Posting
Not everyone want to be all over social media, and you’re not a reporter - so stop spreading the news.
36. Always RSVP
And do it right away before you forget!!!
37. Clean Up After Your Pet
It’s just plain icky to leave it!
38. Be On Time
We’re all busy, so please stop making people wait for you.
39. Put Your Smartphone Away During Meals
Right. Now.
40. Handwrite Thank-You Notes
He or she took the time to send the gift; take the time to show you care.
41. Learn People’s Names
There are some easy ways to remember names.
42. Cough or Sneeze Into Your Elbow
Make sure you’re doing what you can to avoid spreading germs
43. Let Someone Go In Front of You In Line
We Promise, it’ll make his or her day
44. Look At The Person Who Is Speaking To You
Seriously. Look up from your smartphone!
45. Give People a Pass
Cranky salesperson? Nasty driver? You have no idea what’s going on with that person right now: Did her dog die? Did he just get bad health news? You don’t have to reward ugly behavior with your own nastiness, which only perpetuates the cycle.
46. Step Outside to Answer Phone Calls
Sometimes you have to take the call — but is it always that important? Besides, it’s not so fun to hear your conversation when we’re trapped behind you in line.
47. Hold the Door for the Person Behind You
And if someone holds the door for you, always say “thank you”!
48. Say “Please” and “Thank You"
Especially to those closest to you.
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