Are you sometimes not so sure how to behave in regular – and uncertain – social situations? Here are a few guidelines in how to conduct yourself beautifully.
Many people consider respect for the rules of etiquette as something shameful, a feature of classy aesthetes who are removed from real life. In fact, however, the basic rules of etiquette are pretty simple. It’s a culture of speech, common courtesy, neat appearance and control over your emotions. Ildikó Ujfaludi, Fashion Editor of the former weekly publication Jó Modor (‘Good Manner’), has some tips on how to behave in the 21st Century.
If you say, ’I invite you,’ that means you pay. If you say, ’Let’s go to a restaurant,’ then everyone pays for their own food and drinks.
Don’t put your phone on the table in public. By doing so, you show how important a role this device plays in your life, how bored you are of what’s happening and that at any moment you’re ready to stop a useless conversation and once again check your Instagram feed, answer an “important call”, or try new levels in Angry Birds.
Don’t invite a girl on a date if you’re going to be texting all the evening.
If you’re walking along with someone and your companion greets a person you don’t know, you should also greet them.
Your shoes should always be clean.
If someone offends you, you shouldn’t return the favor or raise your voice to the person who insulted you. Don’t sink to their level. Just smile and leave the ill-mannered company.
Some things should be kept secret: age, wealth, family quarrels, religion, politics, medical problems, love affairs, gifts, honor, and disgrace.
In the cinema, theatre, or concert hall, you should move to your seat facing those sitting and a man should always lead the way.
If someone calls to you rudely (’You there!’), you shouldn’t answer. Be a model of good etiquette and polite social manners.
The golden rule when using perfume or cologne is moderation; if you can still smell your perfume in the evening, everyone else is already tired of it.
A well-bred man will always show proper respect to a woman.
Respect the privacy of correspondence. Parents shouldn’t read their children’s letters. Checking someone’s pockets in search of love notes, letters and other things is extremely rude.
Don’t try to chase fashion. It’s better to wear nice, even if not fashionable, things than look awful in a brand-new suit.
Avoid laughing and talking too loudly, as well as staring at people — it’s insulting.
Don’t forget to thank your loved ones, relatives, and friends. They help you not because they have to. It’s their desire. Appreciate them.
It costs very little to be concerned with decency. How to pass a plate. Not to shout from one room to another. Not to open a closed door without knocking. Let a lady pass. The aim of these simple rules is to make life better. Pay attention to your manners. Etiquette matters. It’s a simple and comprehensible language of mutual respect.
Let’s respect each other!