Etiquette Tips from Polished Peyton
A few months ago, a lady stopped me in the grocery store to tell me how much she enjoyed reading the etiquette tips each month. As we parted ways she said, “I bet you never miss a beat with all of this.” I smiled and replied, “I absolutely do.” The truth is, we all do.
This month, I thought it would be fun to talk about five ways we all break etiquette rules, occasionally.
1. Forgetting to Introduce Others.
Whether at work, a neighborhood picnic, or a child’s birthday party, the situation is the same. If you are standing with someone and another person walks up, you should make an introduction. Even if you don’t know the person or maybe you forgot their name (it happens) introductions are still in order. Simply apologize and say something like, “Hello, It is so great to see you. This is my neighbor, Elizabeth. Please remind me of your first name again.”
2. Announcing That You’re Going to the Restroom.
We all do this. Dinner with good friends leads to stories and laughter. We hate to jump up, so it’s almost apologetic: “I’m going to the rest room. I’ll be right back. Don’t say anything funny until I return.” No matter who we are with, all we really need to say is, “Excuse me, I’ll be right back.”
3. Being Late.
We all have that one friend. The friend that arrives late to everything so you tell them it starts thirty minutes earlier in hopes they make it on time. Being late once in a while happens to all of us. Traffic really was backed up, our babysitter really was late, or the dog ran off. Occasional tardiness happens, but don’t let it become a habit. If you are running late, call or text the friends or co-workers you are meeting. Let them know what happened and what time you expect to join them.
4. Covering Your Mouth with Your Right Hand.
For most of us, it’s the hand we use to pass the salt, use a pen, or shake the hand of a friend or new acquaintance. Make an effort this week to use your left hand to cover your mouth if you yawn, touch your face, or sneeze. It comes so natural to use our dominant hand for everything—it will take practice to use your left.
5. Drinking as the Subject of a Toast.
If people are toasting you, you do not drink to yourself. It’s like standing up and patting yourself on the back and then also clapping loudly. As the subject of the toast, you should just smile and nod.
Jennifer Daniel is a graduate of The Protocol School of Washington and she may be reached atJennifer@polishedpeyton.com or visit her website at polishedpeyton.com
