Rules of Etiquette That Define What People Think

Rules of Etiquette That Define What People Think of Us at First Glance

You’re an attentive listener. Don’t turn your attention to your cell phone or other things. Try to listen to the conversation even if you’re not interested in the topic. You might find the following trick useful: listen to your friend’s talking, not what their talking about. However, if the topic of the conversation bores you, try to politely change it. .

You don’t put your bag on a table. If you’re going to a restaurant, remember that you should only put a small purse on a table. Large purses and bags should be placed on the floor or hung on the back of a chair. Avoid putting your bag on your lap or on other chairs.

You’re not too open with people you barely know. Certain topics of conversation are better discussed just among friends. If you start telling people you barely know about your illnesses, financial problems, or personal life issues, you may find that not all of them appreciate your openness. Politics, religion, finances, and personal life are not the best topics for small talk and could also result in a misunderstanding. It’s better to try to find something in common with people who aren’t close friends, for example, you can talk about the weather, movies, or sports.

You wear the proper amount of perfume. There’s a concept called “a scent circle” — defined as an area about an arm’s length from your body. People should only be able to smell your perfume when they step inside this scent circle. A few drops of your favorite perfume is usually enough. If you use a spray perfume, spray your scent in the air and step into it so that the perfume spreads evenly on your body. .

You don’t slurp your beverages. Don’t eat every last bite of your meal or drink your beverage to the last drop. It may make you too full, and the slurping of the straw or scraping of the plate is likely to disturb others and make a bad impression. We bet you wouldn’t want to be at the same table with someone who eats like that.

You keep the right distance with the opposite sex. How should you behave if you see a man you know on the street? Even if you’re close friends, don’t jump in his arms and greet him too loudly, especially if he is with someone. Just nod or greet him verbally and wait for him to react. When he greets you back, he should introduce you to his friend. The same rule applies to men with women.

You’re polite to everyone. According to the rules of etiquette, you should be polite to everyone regardless of their age or position. If you want to get a waiter’s attention just nod, smile, or raise your hand. In big restaurants waiters usually tell you their name when they greet you. Try to remember it and use it throughout the dinner. “Would you please” and “Excuse me, Miss/Mister” are acceptable to use too.

You always go first if you’re a man. If you need to get to your seats but a part of the row is already taken, don’t pass with your back toward the people in the seats. The same rule applies to similar situations at conferences, movies, theaters, and all other places with theater-style seating. Plus, if a couple is navigating this together, a man should go first and a woman should follow.