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!

Halloween with the Neighbors: A Guide to Trick-or-Treat Etiquette

Halloween in Costume

Porch lights, polite trick-or-treaters, and considerate costumes. A guide to Halloween etiquette that keeps the whole neighborhood smiling.

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How to Host a Party: Tips for Casual and Elegant Dinner Gatherings

Group of Friends Having a Dinner Party at Home

Learn how to host a party with confidence, from relaxed suppers to elegant dinners. Simple etiquette tips to help every guest feel welcome.

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Text Messages and the Art of Being Understood

Confusing Text Message

Text messages are quick and convenient, but easy to misread. Learn when texting works best, when to pick up the phone, and how to keep your messages clear.

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How a Meeting Agenda Shows Respect for Everyone's Time

Boring Business Meeting

A thoughtful meeting agenda sets the tone for a productive, respectful meeting. Here's how to plan one, share it, and follow up with grace.

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How to Handle Late Guests with Grace

Late for dinner

Learn how to handle late guests gracefully at home or at a restaurant, with friendly tips for keeping your dinner party on schedule.

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How to Be a Good Guest

Dinner party

Want to be a good guest? Here are eight easy, friendly etiquette habits, from RSVPs to thank-you notes, that make hosts love having you around.

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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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Fun Facts About the American Dining Style

American-style Dining

The American dining style is a four-step method of eating that has stayed with us for over two centuries. But are we moving toward a one-handed eating style?

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Everyday Etiquette in Daily Life: Small Kindnesses That Go a Long Way

Business People Chatting Outdoors

Practicing everyday etiquette in daily life doesn't require perfection. It's really just about staying a little more tuned in to the people around us.

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Finding the Sweet Spot for Public Displays of Affection

Kissing at Santa Monica Pier

Displays of affection are one of the sweetest parts of being in a relationship. They tell others "this person matters to me," without needing any words at all.

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Friendliness vs. Friendship in the Workplace

Friendliness at Work

Whether interacting with clients, customers, or coworkers, friendliness builds trust and credibility — the two things every business relationship depends on.

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How to Avoid Dining Faux Pas

Stealing a Pickle

A meal that flows easily comes from the order and thoughtfulness from everyone at the table. When that order slips, a dining faux pas has room to sneak in.

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Camping Etiquette Guidelines

Camping Under Stars

Camping etiquette rules are important to know whether an outdoor enthusiast or a novice camper. They’ll keep you safe, and in good standing with Mother Nature.

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Common Sense Etiquette is the Practical Foundation of Good Manners

Friends Taking a Selfie

The term "common sense etiquette" is a beacon of practical wisdom in our world of complex social interactions. But how do we develop this essential social skill?

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Fork Food or Finger Food? Making the Etiquette-ful Decision

Cutting a Burger

The fundamental question, "Should I eat this with my fork or my fingers?" has a surprisingly nuanced answer that depends on several key factors.

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Beach Etiquette: Your Guide to Summer Beach Behavior

Yellow Umbrella on a Beach

Whether you're on a vacation or spending a day at your local coastline, observing proper beach etiquette ensures everyone can enjoy their time by the water.

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Speak Clearly to Be Heard Correctly

Woman Raises Her Hand to Speak

When you speak clearly, doors open. The way you speak signals education, professionalism, and confidence before you've said anything of substance at all.

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How Eye Contact Transforms Every Connection

Conversation with Eye Contact

When you become intentional about using it, eye contact becomes a skill that can deepen relationships and leave a lasting impression in every interaction.

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Your Tone of Voice Can Make or Break Effective Communication

Businessman Blaming His Employee

In human interactions, words are just one part of the equation. How say those words—your tone of voice—influences how a message is received and interpreted.

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Common Condiments and How to Use Them

Condiment Set

From salt and pepper to artisan sauces in restaurant caddies, condiments play a supporting role in meals. Knowing how to use them is a quiet mark of good manners.

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