Getting On the Bus – Back to School Etiquette

Posted on September 4, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

When getting on the bus, always wait to let other passengers get off the bus first.

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Exchanging Personal Phone Numbers

Posted on September 3, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

Never give your personal phone number to someone if you are not comfortable doing so.  It is always important to be polite, but you must consider your safety first.

If you are asked for your phone number and do not want to share it, you might say, “Thank you for asking, but I’m very busy right now.”

Never give someone a fake number.  By doing so, you are giving them hope and may anger them when they discover it’s a false number.  You wouldn’t want someone to do that to you, would you?  Honesty is the best policy.

Posted in Dating Etiquette, Etiquette Tips, Social Etiquette, Telephone Etiquette | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

How To Get Rid of Puffy Eyes

Posted on September 1, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

If you wake up with puffy eyes from allergies, lack of sleep, or the common cold, try this quick trick to give yourself a brighter, more alert look.

Chill a clean spoon by placing it in a glass of ice water or briefly in the freezer.  Once the metal has chilled, remove it and hold the cold spoon against closed eyes until you feel relief from the puffiness.

If you’re in a real big hurry, try chilling two spoons – one for each eye.

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

Posted on August 31, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

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.

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Time Management – Specify the Meeting Time

Posted on August 21, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

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.

Posted in Business Etiquette, Etiquette Tips, Office Etiquette | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Politely Ending a Conversation on a Flight

Posted on August 20, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

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.

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An Invitation to the Wedding Ceremony and Reception

Posted on August 13, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

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.

Posted in Etiquette Tips, Wedding Etiquette | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Be Courteous in the Gym

Posted on August 12, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

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.

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Be Prepared To Take Messages – Phone Etiquette

Posted on August 11, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

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.

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How To Exit From A Boring Conversation

Posted on August 10, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

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.

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