Being a cultured person is an art. Modern etiquette encompasses speech culture, basic politeness, neat appearance, and the ability to control your emotions. It’s very important for society to follow these cultural rules because everyone benefits from it.
AdmiGram.com presents the ten golden rules of modern etiquette that you need to know and apply in your life. Remember, cultured behavior in society is not only a sign of respect for others but also for yourself!
10 golden rules of modern etiquette
Don’t visit without notice
“Uninvited guests are worse than a tornado” — you’ll understand this when you step out of the shower with wet hair and in a bathrobe to greet unexpected visitors. No one likes uninvited guests, even if you’re relatives or close friends. So, always notify someone in advance before visiting to avoid ruining everyone’s mood.
Always greet first
Whether you’re a student, a woman, or a millionaire, always greet people first. It won’t diminish your status; rather, it will add to your honor.
Don’t overdress like a christmas tree
The total number of your accessories shouldn’t exceed 13 items, including jewelry buttons. It’s important to highlight beauty, not overshadow it. The later the meeting, the more expensive and brighter the accessories should be. Women have three zones for wearing jewelry: the face, neck, and hands. For men, it’s simpler: they should only wear a wedding ring, cufflinks, and tie clips.
Avoid talking about these topics
In polite society, you won’t hear conversations about politics, religion, health, or money. If you often hear such discussions from your friends or acquaintances, reconsider whether you should be interacting with these people.
Respect not only yourself but others
Address every unfamiliar person over the age of 12 with respect. Politeness and tact are barriers that protect you from unhealthy relationships with teenagers, neighbors, coworkers, and other people. Until you start respecting yourself and others, don’t expect respect and proper treatment from others.
Don’t get your hands dirty at the table
At a shared table, it’s only permissible to touch bread, sandwiches, canapés, pies, cookies, hard pastries, asparagus shoots, artichoke leaves, fruits, and berries with stems with your hands. Poultry meat is eaten with hands only when it can no longer be eaten with a fork and knife.
Avoid unnecessary expenses
If you invite someone to a restaurant, movie, or theater, you pay. If a woman invites a man, she pays. In the case of “Let’s go somewhere?”, each pays for themselves unless the man offers to pay for the woman, in which case she may accept. If a woman or man decides to pay independently at the beginning of any meeting, they should ask the waiter in advance to prepare two bills.
Less you know, better you sleep
You shouldn’t read SMS, letters, etc., from your children, loved ones, or partners’ phones or tablets. Digging through your close ones’ pockets for compromising material or anything else is highly inappropriate. Everything hidden becomes apparent sooner or later. Better save your nerves for that moment; you’ll still need them.
Don’t sink to the level of idiots, where they will crush you with their experience
If someone insults you or tries to belittle you, don’t respond with similar rudeness. If possible, it’s better to smile and politely walk away from the impolite individuals. If you’re being provoked or the situation escalates, it’s better to call the establishment’s security or the police. There’s absolutely no shame in doing so, and it will put the offenders in their place.
Forget about your phone and SMS
Don’t engage in idle chatter on your mobile phone. If you need a business, heartfelt, or personal meeting, it’s better to communicate face-to-face rather than “talking over someone’s ears” on the phone. Also, avoid inviting someone to meet or asking someone for something via SMS. It looks incredibly foolish.
