Etiquette Tips from Polished Peyton
Know Before You Go
Every spring I receive emails about upcoming wedding etiquette and Easter attire but another frequently requested item is a list of tips for the child who is about to leave the nest. Yes, they can eat a meal properly and say please and thank you. Parents have done a great job, but they always want to know what they are forgetting to remind their children of when they head off to college or a new job in the coming months after graduation.
Venturing out on your own is exciting and also a big learning experience. So much of “etiquette” revolves around a set of rules and suggestions written out merely to help all of us get along. Defining “good” manners is not an attempt to make humans feel bad about what they do not know; these guidelines are actually set up to help us. The root of each of these suggestions really comes down to being kind.
Here are some of my top reminders for the young people in your life:
Respecting Roommates
The old phrase “Your mother does not live here.” is now true. Pick up after yourself and go the extra step. Set a few house rules for when you have guest over. If you are an early riser, be considerate of roommates that worked late or studied all evening.
College student
Traveling with Friends
Some of the best memories in life will come from your journeys and you will find a group you enjoy being with on these adventures. Take into consideration things such as splitting the cost gas if you are traveling by car and being respectful of arriving on time for a shuttle if a large group is traveling together.
Putting your Phone Down
Cell phones will still be a big part of adult life, but you don’t need them visible when you are on a date, having lunch with friends, or enjoying a sporting event. Talk with those around you. Verbal communications skills are important in social and professional relationships. Practice, practice, practice.
Communicating with Professors
While the internet has made life as a student easier in many ways, it took out many face to face interactions. I always encourage students to meet professors face to face at least once a semester, if possible. Nothing takes the place of face to face conversation. Remember to proof emails before you send them and be very clear, brief and kind. Read over it before you hit send. Address the professor appropriately. For example, “Dear Dr. Fleming.” Follow all communication guidelines given to you by the school/teacher.
Expressing Opinions
Yes, we may need to keep many of our opinions to ourselves in certain situations. However, discuss polite ways to stand up for yourself and what you believe in and review how to end a discussion in a kind way. We all have opinions and being respectful of others is a part of life.
Being a Good Guest
Making new friends and visiting their families is another benefit of college life. Always arrive on time, speak to parents and family when you first arrive, bring a very small gift, go with the flow of your friend’s family, and keep your sleeping area tidy. When leaving to head back to school, ask how you can help clean the room you slept in. Can you pull the sheets off the bed for your host? Can you bring the dirty towels to the laundry?
Most importantly, have FUN!
Jennifer Daniel is a graduate of The Protocol School of Washington and she may be reached at Jennifer@polishedpeyton.com or visit her website at polishedpeyton.com.
