“Etiquette is the science of living. It embraces everything. It is ethics. It is honor.” ~ Emily Post
“Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use.” ~ Emily Post
Etiquette or manners . . . simply put, are the Golden Rule.
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12
Etiquette is behaving in ways that are both aware of and considerate of the people around us. A person with good manners treats everyone with kindness and respect. It is knowing how to get along without causing offense or harm.
Etiquette and Good Manners Tips to Help You Succeed
1. Say “please” and “thank you.”
2. RSVP
3. Make eye contact.
4. Be on time.
5. Keep your promises.
6. Tell the truth.
7. Learn someone’s name and use it.
8. Don’t gossip.
9. Don’t listen to gossip.
10. Avoid prying personal questions.
11. Use your inside voice inside.
12. Dress appropriately.
13. Dress modestly.
14. Let others go first.
15. Respect personal space.
16. Practice cleanliness.
17. Say “I’m sorry” and “please forgive me.”
18. Listen to others.
19. Think before you speak.
20. Don’t interrupt.
21. Show interest in others.
22. Don’t laugh at others misfortunes.
23. Don’t ridicule.
24. Keep negative opinions to yourself.
25. Never comment on a person’s appearance unless it’s a compliment.
26. Cover your mouth when you yawn, cough, or sneeze.
27. Offer your help to others.
28. Ask permission before you borrow something.
29. Be with the people you are with . . . put down your phone.
30. Disagree without being disagreeable.
Bonus – Be kind and respectful. Always. Everywhere.
Everywhere means just that…
- Family Etiquette and Manners
Do your family members take off their manners jackets when they walk in the door? Take the next 24 hours to listen and watch. Imagine your family helpful, kind, and respectful. Do you think everyone would be happier?
Don’t give in or give up. Make it a game. Keep it positive. Give points for good manners and ignore bad manners. Award small prizes for every 10 points earned or allow family members to accumulate points for larger prizes. Make sure mom and dad play too. Your example is essential.
- Workplace Etiquette and Manners
- Driving Etiquette and Manners
- Social Etiquette and Manners
- Internet Etiquette and Manners
- Pet Etiquette and Manners
Jay Remer – The Etiquette Guy says:
“Etiquette and good manners have sadly been replaced by an attitude of self-centeredness, entitlement and rudeness. If one is to succeed either socially or in business, recapturing both proper etiquette and good manners is essential.”
What do you think? His common courtesy become uncommon? Where do you find yourself the most frustrated with others?
It’s not unusual to hear someone say, “If I don’t take care of #1, no one else will.”
Do you know people with that philosophy? How would you respond to them?
Take some time over the dinner table tonight to talk with your family about etiquette and good manners.
I believe that behaving with etiquette and good manners provides increased peace, contentment, happiness, and success. That God hard-wired us to enjoy life more when we care for each other. What do you think?
You can get through life with bad manners, but it’s easier with good manners. ~ Lillian Gish
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