Author Archives: Sandy Hyde

The Engagement Party

Traditionally, an engagement party is hosted by the bride’s parents to announce and celebrate the good news with close friends and family.  Today, an engagement party may be hosted by anyone close to the couple including the couple themselves. The … Continue reading

Posted in Etiquette Tips, Special Occasions, Wedding Etiquette | 1 Comment

Don’t Be A Whiner

It doesn’t matter if it’s a sporting event, social event, or business function, nobody enjoys being in the company of a whiner. A whiner can suck the joy out of anything faster than the old Hoover upright can vacuum the … Continue reading

Posted in Business Etiquette, Etiquette Tips, Social Etiquette | Leave a comment

Telephone Etiquette: In Person vs. On the Phone

The other day, I was trying to have a business conversation with a receptionist at a doctor’s office.  I had several important questions I needed answers for.  Every time I completed a question, the phone rang and the receptionist answered … Continue reading

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Always Have a Tissue Handy

It’s that time of year again when our noses tend to do more than we consciously ask of them.  They run, sneeze, tickle, and clog up.  Most annoyingly, they do these things at the most inconvenient times such as when … Continue reading

Posted in Childrens Etiquette, Etiquette Tips, Personal Grooming, Public Courtesies | 1 Comment

Sit Up Straight and Tall at Your Desk – Children’s Etiquette at School

When I stand in front of a class to teach a group of students, I use good posture.  I expect the same courtesy from the students sitting at their desks. Students should sit up straight in their chairs just as … Continue reading

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George Washington Promoted Manners Too!

On this President’s Day, it seems appropriate to acknowledge George Washington, at the age of 16, copied a set of rules on manners composed by the French Jesuits in 1595 for a lesson in penmanship.  Today, these rules are published … Continue reading

Posted in Etiquette History, Etiquette Tips, Social Etiquette | Leave a comment

Valentine’s Day – Don’t Overlook The Little Things

I was shopping in a department store today and overheard customers stressing over Valentine’s Day.  Men were complaining about the expense of buying flowers and gifts.  Women were complaining about the men in their lives not giving them the right … Continue reading

Posted in Dating Etiquette, Etiquette Tips, Gifts, Special Occasions | 1 Comment

Someone Else Is Using Your Bread Plate!

I am frequently asked, “What should I do if the person sitting next to me unknowingly uses my bread plate?” The last thing we want to do is embarrass this person by pointing out their mistake.  Simply say nothing and … Continue reading

Posted in Dining Etiquette, Etiquette Tips | Leave a comment

Test Fabrics For Wrinkles – Professional Attire

Professionals frequently have days when they have to look as crisp and neat at a dinner meeting as they did at their early morning staff meeting.  One key to mastering this skill is to select professional attire made with quality … Continue reading

Posted in Etiquette Tips, Personal Grooming, Professional Dress | 1 Comment

Handicapped Parking Etiquette – Do Not Judge

I witnessed a  terrible faux pas this afternoon.   A woman parked her vehicle in a handicapped parking space at the grocery store.  She had a handicapped parking pass appropriately displayed in her vehicle.  She was not in a wheelchair and … Continue reading

Posted in Driving Etiquette, Etiquette Tips, Public Courtesies | Leave a comment