I realized it when I arrived at the time of my doctor's appointment today only to find that an older woman who had an appointment 15 minutes after mine was already in the waiting room. I constantly struggle with being on time to things and until this experience, I thought that getting to places early was for squares. Hopefully this article will convince you of just the opposite and shed some light on areas of etiquette that all of us could improve in.
1. Handwritten Thank You Notes
For gifts or really just for anything, it's always nice to send a handwritten thank you note in the mail. I appreciate a note much more than a phone call or text. There's also a separate art towards the actual writing of the note. Basically, you want to show gratitude in a genuine way and not be skimpy when it comes to length. Gifts, if someone has interviewed you for a job, or significant gestures almost always deserve a handwritten note. Check out more in depth information about how to write the perfect thank you note here.
2. Table Manners
Knowing how to correctly hold a fork and knife may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised at how many people frequently mess this one up. It's important to learn now before you start having those important business dinners with potential employers or clients because no one wants to look like a caveman. Learn more here.
And now that we're on the topic, please please don't chew with your mouth open. No one wants to see that. Elbows off the table. It also might be a good idea to learn how to set a table and which fork you're supposed to use first. It's more complicated than you would think and will make you seem smarter if you don't have to ask the guy sitting next to you. Win.
3. The Art of Being On Time
Everyone has that one friend who you have to tell to be ready 20 minutes early because then you know they'll actually get there at the right time. Don't be that person. If this one speaks to you, try to arrive to events or commitments early. Leave extra time for transport when you're trying to get somewhere for unexpected surprises like traffic and getting lost. There's nothing worse than waiting around for a friend who's already 15 minutes late. Try setting alarms on your phone for when you need to go and always keeping your car keys in the same place so you won't have to waste time looking for them.
4. Put Down Your Phone
Take a break from your phone when someone is having a conversation with you, when you're on a date, when you're trying to catch up with a friend. All of these instances are rude and whatever it is can wait. I am extremely guilty of this one and am a huge fan of having everyone put their phones in the middle of the table when they're out to dinner together. This also includes not answering phone calls and hiding your phone under the table to text.
5. Proofread Your Emails
Trust me, it's really not necessary to include that many exclamation points in a professional email. You don't want to risk sounding childish at the expense of wanting to seem excited. Limit smiley faces to personal emails and if it's a really important email, it's not a bad idea to have a friend proofread it after you do before you sent it. And most importantly, beware of the reply all button.
6. Never Show Up At A Party Empty-Handed
If someone is nice enough to invite you to a party at their house, then yes, you do need to bring something. A small dessert or appetizer or even a bottle of wine will do the trick.
7. Go If You RSVP'd
Not only are you being rude to the host, you could be costing them a lot of wasted money. If you do need to skip an event because of extenuating circumstances, at least call ahead of time and explain your situation to the host. And keep a non-digital calendar to record all your commitments so you don't miss anything.
8. There Are Some Situations That Are Inappropriate for Texting
For example, a breakup or announcing the death of a family member. It seems obvious that both of these interactions should happen face-to-face, but if this arrangement cannot be made, please do not resort to texting. Atleast have the decency to call.
9. Don't Interrupt
I am so bad at this one. Whatever you have to say can wait because it's more important to be a good listener and make the other person feel valued before throwing your comment into the mix.
10. Keep Your Personal Problems off of Social Media
Nothing is worse than logging on to find one of your "friend's" recent rants about whatever is ticking her off that day. Facebook has blurred the lines between private and public, but that doesn't mean that it's ok to rant about your horrible job, stubborn mother, or your child's oblivious elementary teacher. Instead of violently typing out your feelings, try having a conversation with whoever you're mad at instead.
