If you don’t like to apply processed chemicals to your body, health food stores sell natural deodorants.  Being green does not give you permission to have body odor.  Without the use of a deodorant, you will emit an unpleasant odor from your underarms.  Most people find the odor offensive.  If you have it frequently, you may find it difficult to socialize with others or hold a job.  Nobody wants to share your funky smell.

It’s important for parents to talk to their young teenagers about the use of deodorant.  Without a little coaching, teens may not realize when they need to start applying it as their body matures.

It doesn’t matter who makes the clothing or how much it costs.   Do not embarrass anyone by announcing their clothing labels or judge them by the amount of money they spend on their clothing. What matters is good hygiene, good grooming, and appropriate attire.

Before sending the attachment, contact the recipient and ask them if you can send a file, the size of the file, and the format of the file.  They may ask you to delay sending it, send it in several e-mails if possible, or suggest an alternate format.

Being helpful to a visitor can be wonderful PR for a company.  The visitor may not be a potential customer, but they will remember your company name and speak highly of the company in the future.

If the clerk offers good service, he or she will acknowledge you and let you know they will be with you as soon as possible.  They may even call another employee to assist you if one is available.

If you keep the server waiting while you continue to read the menu and hem and haw over each item, they are not able to properly serve other tables, consequently, lowering their overall tip from everyone due to slow or inattentive service.

I was enjoying dinner at a restaurant the other evening when a woman, sitting in the booth behind me, applied perfume from a spray bottle.  The odor was so intense I could only taste and smell her perfume for the remainder of my meal.  My dining experience was ruined and I left with a headache.

Never apply perfume, body mists, or scented lotions in a public place - especially at a restaurant. In fact, when dining, wear very little perfume or none at all so your senses can appreciate the taste and aroma of the food without distraction.

Gentlemen, this rule applies to your cologne and aftershave too.

As I watched the Academy Awards last night, I was shocked at the number of Oscar nominees who applauded while their name was announced.

If your name is mentioned while people are applauding, smile, or at the very least have a pleasant expression on your face, and acknowledge the person making the introduction and those applauding for you with a nod of the head.  But never, ever applaud for yourself.  Doing so would be the equivalent of standing up and conceitedly saying you’re wonderful or regressing to the actions of a baby applauding its latest accomplishment.

Many pregnant women have asked me how to handle the awkwardness of someone reaching out to touch their larger than normal bellies.  One easy way is to reach your hand out to stop them and say, “I’m sorry, this baby is fussy and likes his/her/its privacy.”

One of my clients asked if she could reach back and pat the belly of the obtrusive person.  Sorry, this might be effective, but two wrongs do not make a right.

Blowing on your soup to cool it is never acceptable, even if you blow gently.  If your soup is too hot to eat, let it sit and cool while you engage in conversation with others at your table.