The term etiquette can sound quaint and old fashioned. However in the modern world manners are more important than ever. With more forms of technology there are more potential ways you could offend people. Therefore it is vital to be aware of basic manners and etiquette.
The most basic thing to do is to say please and thank you. In simple terms you are asking someone for something and they have to give it to you. If someone is serving you food in a restaurant it does not matter that it is their job you should still be polite to them. Saying thank you also shows you appreciate what you have been given.
There is an old saying that says how it is the thought that counts. This means that it is as much the attitude behind your actions as it is the action itself. Remembering to buy a gift for a birthday is only part of it. You also need to think about what people like and what is appropriate for them.
One recent change in etiquette is the issue of holding the door open for people. There was a time when it was men who were supposed to do this for women. Some women can find this patronising. A better alternative is to hold the door for anyone who needs it, especially if they are infirm or are carrying a lot of items.
With the rise of the internet there is also the issue of internet etiquette. The additional anonymity and the ability to quickly post messages can often lead to insensitivity and conversations that could be misinterpreted. A good rule is that anything you would not say to someone face to face should not be posted online.
In recent years some issues around etiquette have changed. For example it was often expected that men hold doors open for women. However some women can find this patronising. In order to avoid this there is a simple solution. All you need to do is hold doors open for everyone!
Another complication is that some actions that were previously considered polite can be considered patronising now. A good example is opening doors. Some women can find patronising if you open doors just for them. A better approach is to open doors for everyone as this is just general politeness.
In simple terms being polite and having good manners is not about being a pushover. It is about being able to maintain self control and put people at their ease regardless of whether they are a valet picking up your car or a potential investor in your company. Check online for more information about specific etiquette for various social situations to help you overcome any unintentional social embarrassment.
The most basic thing to do is to say please and thank you. In simple terms you are asking someone for something and they have to give it to you. If someone is serving you food in a restaurant it does not matter that it is their job you should still be polite to them. Saying thank you also shows you appreciate what you have been given.
There is an old saying that says how it is the thought that counts. This means that it is as much the attitude behind your actions as it is the action itself. Remembering to buy a gift for a birthday is only part of it. You also need to think about what people like and what is appropriate for them.
One recent change in etiquette is the issue of holding the door open for people. There was a time when it was men who were supposed to do this for women. Some women can find this patronising. A better alternative is to hold the door for anyone who needs it, especially if they are infirm or are carrying a lot of items.
With the rise of the internet there is also the issue of internet etiquette. The additional anonymity and the ability to quickly post messages can often lead to insensitivity and conversations that could be misinterpreted. A good rule is that anything you would not say to someone face to face should not be posted online.
In recent years some issues around etiquette have changed. For example it was often expected that men hold doors open for women. However some women can find this patronising. In order to avoid this there is a simple solution. All you need to do is hold doors open for everyone!
Another complication is that some actions that were previously considered polite can be considered patronising now. A good example is opening doors. Some women can find patronising if you open doors just for them. A better approach is to open doors for everyone as this is just general politeness.
In simple terms being polite and having good manners is not about being a pushover. It is about being able to maintain self control and put people at their ease regardless of whether they are a valet picking up your car or a potential investor in your company. Check online for more information about specific etiquette for various social situations to help you overcome any unintentional social embarrassment.
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