Category Archives: Social Etiquette

Excuse Me, Your Fly is Open

It happens. We forget to zip up or a button pops open. I am frequently asked how to handle these embarrassing moments. As long as you’re not perfect strangers or just been introduced, quietly and discreetly tell the person their … Continue reading

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Shaking Hands When You Have A Cold

When I see someone enter a social or business event with watery eyes, a runny nose, and a box of tissues, I want to run in the other direction to avoid catching whatever it is they have. It is unfortunate … Continue reading

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Talking During a Presentation or Performance

There is a very good reason why theater managers ask you to unwrap candy and turn off cell phones, pagers and beepers before a performance begins. This is to keep theater patrons from being disturbed or distracted during the performance. … Continue reading

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How To Cut In At A Dance

If a gentlemen would like to dance with a lady who is already dancing with another man, he may cut in by approaching the dancing couple, tapping the man on the shoulder, and asking, “May I cut in?” It is … Continue reading

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When is it Appropriate to Begin Eating?

Guests should always take their cue from the person hosting the meal.  When the host or hostess takes the first bite, the guests may then pick up their utensils and begin eating. This etiquette rule came from the royal courts … Continue reading

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How to Handle Unanswered RSVPs

One of the worst social or business etiquette blunders is not answering an RSVP.  The person who sent the invitation needs to know how many people to plan for. What should you do if you sent invitations with an RSVP … Continue reading

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Re-gifting

We give gifts because we value our relationships with family, friends, co-workers and acquaintances who help us throughout the year. A gift shows our appreciation and/or love and brings joy and pleasure to the recipient. The act of giving a … Continue reading

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Receiving Unwanted Gifts

It’s the time of year for exchanging gifts.  Hopefully, you’ll receive gifts you can use and enjoy. Unfortunately, we’ve all received the occasional gift that makes us wonder, “What were they thinking? Here are a few helpful tips to handle … Continue reading

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Chewing Gum in School

It has been brought to my attention a school district is considering to make a ruling on whether or not chewing gun is allowed in school. As I mentioned in an earlier posting regarding chewing gum, there is nothing inherently … Continue reading

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Hosting a Dinner When the Electricity Goes Out

I was attending a large corporate holiday party in Chicago and had to negotiate my way through an ice and snow storm to get to the event. A challenge most Chicagoans are use to. Just as the guests began to … Continue reading

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