The Etiquette Blog

The Etiquette Blog is a personal, social, and professional curriculum for success. Dedicated to the Quest for Civility in the modern world, each article informs and educates on topics related to being successful in life and work.

A new article is posted each week. You can search the over 550 current articles by typing a keyword in the search box to the right of your screen.

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Explore and enjoy!

Friendly Practices That Connect Us

Neighborly Care Package

Friendly practices are small, thoughtful gestures that bridge the gap between digital connections and the community disconnect that many people report feeling.

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Why We Should Use Last Names in Professional and Social Settings

Group of Positive, Diverse Colleagues

To use last names when addressing someone has become rare. It reflects a shift in how we signal respect, maintain boundaries, and navigate social hierarchies.

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Navigating Social Situations with People You Don't Enjoy

Bad Date

Attending a gathering or event with people you don’t enjoy spending time with? Good news! It is possible to navigate these situations with grace and dignity.

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Setting Your Holiday Table

Holiday Table Setting

When setting your holiday table with intention and care, it’s more than arranging plates and silverware — you're creating the stage for cherished memories.

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Host a Party Everyone Enjoys

Group of Friends Having a Dinner Party at Home

Planning to host a party this season? With proper planning and a solid understanding of hosting etiquette, you can create a memorable event without the stress.

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No Holiday Gifts - 'Tis the Season for a New Tradition?

Holiday Scenery

It’s the season of giving and you’re thinking no holiday gifts would be a nice rule for yourself this year. But how do you have that conversation with others?

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Master the Moment and Make a Good First Impression

Making a Good First Impression

A good first impression happens in an instant yet lingers long after. Learn how to navigate any first encounter and leave a lasting positive impact.

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Can You Agree to Disagree?

Friends Arguing

When you agree to disagree, you call a truce on a difference of opinion. You choose the path of civility and acknowledge that conflict doesn’t need a winner.

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Passing Items at the Table

Passing food at the table

Properly passing items at the table ensures meals flow smoothly, prevents accidents, and demonstrates respect. Here’s how to master this etiquette fundamental.

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Be the Best Cocktail Party Guest

Casual cocktails

Attending a networking event, a celebration, or an evening with friends? Knowing how to navigate a cocktail party with grace can make you the best guest.

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The Art of Exchanging Pleasantries in the Workplace

Businesss People

A fundamental yet often misunderstood aspect of office etiquette is exchanging pleasantries with colleagues. An underrated, but essential professional skill.

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Table Setting Etiquette

Table Tools

Table setting etiquette is a system, evolved over time, that ensures an orderly meal. It contains place settings that serve as maps, giving you a glimpse of what foods you are about to enjoy.

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Deal with Office Gossips and Help Tame the Rumor Mill

Taking a Gossip Break

Unfortunately, we all must deal with office gossips at some point – or several times – during our careers but there are methods to make this a fairly easy task.

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Putting Out the Fire of Embarrassment

Embarrassing Situation

Embarrassment can cause you to forget your etiquette-ful self. It distracts you and sets you up for even more. But it can also present learning opportunities.

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How to Prevent Dinner Disasters

Spilled Wine

While true dinner disasters may be rare, knowing how to prevent common mishaps and handle the unexpected with grace is essential for both hosts and guests.

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A Modern Definition of Etiquette

Concept of Etiquette

The concept of etiquette may seem antiquated to some. However, understanding the modern definition of etiquette is crucial in today's complex social landscape.

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Our World Needs a Civilizing Influence

Community Garden Sign

No matter where we live, we are all collaborators in making society work. Our world needs a civilizing influence, and we are each responsible for creating it.

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Five Etiquette-ful Things that Make a Positive First Impression

First Impression During Interview

A first impression will many times be a lasting impression. How do you ensure yours will be a great one? By practicing these five things . . .

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How to Cheer Someone Up

Cheer Someone Up

Aiming for kindness, compassion, and positivity changes a person’s day. The core component for how to cheer someone up is an ability to recognize another person.

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How to Eat Dessert

Eating Dessert

The dessert course is very important! Enjoy it with confidence when you know how to use the utensils correctly, and according to what you are served.

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