From the category archives:
Q: What is the significance, if any, of which arm a man uses when escorting a woman? A: On the street, a man traditionally walks on the curb side—a custom born of the idea that women needed to be shielded from the potential hazards posed by the passing horse-and-buggy parade. Given this, a man would [...]
{ 1 comment }
Q: I am working on a project to define proper etiquette for urban use of technology as to not disturb others around you, yet maintain proper social behavior. What are your suggestions towards proper etiquette when using smart phones, PDAs, cell phones, MP3 players, game systems and others in the public and very urban environment? A: [...]
{ 2 comments }
Q: Can you tell me the reasoning behind a man taking his hat off, for example, when he meets someone or taking it off when in a restaurant? Today I noticed that neither are done and wonder if the rules of etiquette have changed on this. A: Basically, hats are removed when going indoors as [...]
{ 2 comments }
Q: Is it tacky to send holiday cards with your name printed inside? It’s so much easier than signing 100 cards. A: Holiday cards printed with your name in lieu of a signature are more appropriate for business use, but sometimes people use this shortcut for their personal holiday cards because they’re so pressed for [...]
{ 5 comments }
Q: I was asked by my brother four months ago if I could chaperone a beach week for him and some of his college friends. He sent me an email last night telling me that he expected me to pay ‘my part’ for the house. This is the first time he has ever mentioned that [...]
{ 8 comments }
Q: Is it considered to be rude if someone refuses to share a recipe? A: Some families guard their recipes like the crown jewels. It is perfectly reasonable to ask someone for a recipe, but it is also their choice whether or not to give it.
{ 1 comment }
Q: Our high school marching band was involved in fundraising for an upcoming trip to Hawaii to compete in a marching band competition. Unfortunately, the band had to cancel because we were unable to raise enough money. The band raised funds from corporate sponsors (to which letters have been sent, offering to use the money [...]
{ 0 comments }
Q: Our high school graduating class is getting ready to hold a 30 year reunion. We have about twelve persons who have passed away. Our average age is 47, which is still considered a little young to die. Is it proper to list the cause of death along with the person’s name and date of [...]
{ 2 comments }
Q: My husband says that it is proper to push food around the dinner plate with a knife and use the knife to push it on the fork, but I don’t agree. What is the right way? A: It is okay to use the knife to assist when food is difficult to put on the [...]
{ 2 comments }
Q: Is it acceptable to blow your nose at the dinner table? My husband says that it is okay and has even blown his nose into a cloth napkin. A: Nose-blowing at the table should be limited to small puffs. If what is required is big, noisy nose-blowing, this should be conducted away from the [...]
{ 4 comments }
The Gift of Good Manners
Loading ... Loading ...
