Q: What’s the most polite way to ask someone to stop e-mailing jokes, cards, or other frivolous messages?
A: People who are inundated by e-mails often feel bothered, not flattered, by pass-along e-mails. If you’re a victim of “friend spam” speak up politely and honestly, asking the friend to stop. Say, “John, I love hearing from you, but please stop sending me jokes via e-mail. I’m so busy at work that I don’t have time to keep up with personal e-mail.”
This open thread is your space to use as you like. We invite you to discuss current and traditional etiquette. Feel free to ask questions of each other and the community moderators here.
Q: What should you do if you are about to introduce someone and suddenly can’t remember his name?
A: We’ve all been there- that awkward moment when your starting to make an introduction but can’t remember a name. Just say,” I’m so embarrassed. I have completely forgotten your name.” If you suspect someone has forgotten your name, one of the kindest gestures you can make is to extend your hand and say, “Hello, I’m Jane Smith. It’s so nice to meet you.”
This open thread is your space to use as you like. We invite you to discuss current and traditional etiquette. Feel free to ask questions of each other and the community moderators here.
It’s time to celebrate our first anniversary!It was one year ago today that we launched The Etiquette Daily. I want to thank all of you who come and participate and make this community what it is. St. Patrick’s Day last year we took the plunge and began answering online the etiquette questions that The Emily Post Institute has been receiving for over fifty years. At the time there was some concern about how it would all work. The only thing we knew for sure was that people are interested in Etiquette and like to talk about it. Since then we have witnessed steady growth in the traffic on this blog each month. People have visited the Etiquette Daily from over 90 countries across 6 continents and have made over 2000 comments. Whether you come to read, ask questions or try your hand at unraveling etiquette dilemmas, we at The Emily Post Institute appreciate you. I look forward to many more great years ahead. Take care,
Daniel Post Senning
Q: Should I give my boss a bottle of wine for her birthday?
A: No, that would be a double mistake. Never give anyone higher up the ladder gift. It’ll irritate colleagues because it will look like you’re kissing up. Instead, give a group gift. Second mistake: Don’t give alcohol in a business situation. Safe gifts are theater tickets, a plant, an antique print featuring a favorite activity, or a restaurant certificate. Keep it to $5 to $10 per person.
This open thread is your space to use as you like. We invite you to discuss current and traditional etiquette. Feel free to ask questions of each other and the community moderators here.
Q: My fiances parents find a way to bring his ex-wife, Jennifer, into the conversation every time we visit. How can I stop this without saying something rude and develop a relationship with my husbands parents that doesn’t exclude his ex-wife?
A: You can do one of two things. You can ask your finance to run a little interference for you. When he is visiting with them without you present, he can say, “You probably don’t even notice you do this, but every time Beth is here, you talk about Jennifer. I’d really appreciate it if you could try and leave her out of the conversation, since the new life I’m building is with Beth and I’d like her to start feeling like part of the family.” He can encourage them to get to know you, reiterating how happy he is with you. Or you could say something yourself: “I’ve been thinking about how you often mention Jennifer when I’m with you. She’s very lucky that you are so fond of her. I hope to be that lucky someday, too, and that you’ll find as many nice things to say about me. ” The first solution is probably the best, if your fiance is willing to speak to his parents from his point of view and not make it sound as though you have been complaining.
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The Gift Of Good Manners What Would Emily Post Do?