Etiquette School of Ohio

Don’t Cut in the Lunch Line - Back to School Manners

No matter how hungry or short on time you are, it’s rude to cut in the lunch line.  Always go to the end of the line, even when a friend asks you to join them.   Your classmates will respect you more for doing so.

If waiting in the lunch line does not work for you, consider packing your lunch.

This rule applies to adults as well.

Time Management - Specify the Meeting Time

Try to avoid co-workers or colleagues taking away your valuable work time by practicing the following time management skill.

The next time an individual asks to schedule a meeting time to go over something, set specific starting and ending times. This will allow others to know when, and for how long, you are available.

Rather than saying, “Let’s meet at 4:00,” you should say, “Let’s go over those details between 4:00 and 4:30.

Politely Ending a Conversation on a Flight

There are times when you are not in the mood to converse during a flight.  Maybe it’s the end of a long work week, you’re mentally preparing for a presentation, or you want to settle in with a good book.

No matter what the reason for needing quiet time may be, if you’re seated next to a chatty Cathy, be polite, and end the conversation by not adding to it.

An Invitation to the Wedding Ceremony and Reception

If you have been invited to a wedding ceremony and a wedding reception, you  should not attend the reception only without also attending the ceremony.  The reception is optional, the ceremony is not.

To skip the ceremony and arrive at the reception later is in poor taste.

Be Courteous in the Gym

I was the only person exercising in the fitness center early this morning when a married couple walked in.  Without asking, they turned the lights off, changed the television station, and sprayed a disinfectant on the machines nearby creating a floating cloud of mist I almost choked on when inhaling.

I don’t expect to have the fitness center to myself.  I’m more than happy to share, but it would have been nice if this couple at least said hello or good morning.  It would have been even nicer if they asked me if I minded if they turned the lights out, changed the television station, or sprayed their disinfectant.  The lights and the TV really didn’t bother me.  The disinfectant did.  How did they know I wouldn’t have an allergic reaction to it?

When sharing the gym or fitness center with others, please be courteous and ask other people who are exercising if they mind if you make a change they will all be effected by. This is especially important if someone was there before you.

The actions of this couple today are no different than a child coming into a room to play and taking the toys away from the other children.  Which they also did by jumping on the weight machines I was using in between my reps.  It’s not like it was crowded or there were no other machines.  They insisted on using the machines I was using at the time.

I came home to finish my workout.  I hope they have a good one.

Be Prepared To Take Messages - Phone Etiquette

It is important to have a pad of paper and a writing instrument next to every telephone in a home or office.  Don’t rely on your memory alone to take an accurate message.  You also don’t want to make a caller wait while you search for something to write on or with.

Once you have taken the message, have a system set up in both a home or office to ensure everyone receives their messages in a timely manner.  In an office setting, this system could be placing the note in a mailbox.  At home, designate a counter top area, desk, or bulletin board for messages.

How To Exit From A Boring Conversation

Have you ever been at an event and found yourself in a conversation with someone you have absolutely nothing in common with?  You have most likely felt trapped.  Here is a way to exit that conversation without offending that person:

As you close the conversation, shake the hand of that person and comment on something they discussed with you during the conversation.

For example:  “It was a pleasure meeting you Joe.  Good luck in your upcoming chess tournament.”

Don’t make up a lie for an exit strategy.  That person will see you did not visit the restroom, get a drink, or make a phone call.

Forgetting Names

We have all, at some point in time, had a memory lapse and forgotten some one’s name when greeting them.  When this happens to you, don’t be ashamed, you’re a typical human being.

The best policy to follow when you’ve forgotten some one’s name is honesty.  You might say, “I remember meeting you at last month’s meeting, but I’m sorry, I can’t remember your name.”

Try to say something about the person that you do remember such as where you met, where they work, or where they live.  This will help indicate you didn’t didn’t completely dismiss the last introduction  or meeting.

Do Not Snap Your Fingers at a Server

If you need to get the attention of your server in a restaurant, try to make eye contact with them to get them to return to your table.  If they are busy, and you’re unable to get eye contact, ask another server to tell them you would like to speak with them.

Never, under any circumstance, snap your fingers to get a server’s attention.  You may have seen this work on the silver screen, but it will not get you favorable service in the real world.

Eavesdropping

As tempting as it may be to eavesdrop in the office, a restaurant, or a public space, it’s important to try to tune out the conversations of others.

Sometimes it is absolutely impossible to not overhear a conversation, but if you do, do not interject yourself in the conversation or comment on it to others or to the individuals having the conversation.

In simple terms, mind your own business.