The Etiquette Blog
As hard as we try to exercise good judgement and use common sense, the fact remains: we never know what it’s like being on the other side of “me.”
This is the Great Personal Challenge as we try to do our part in living full lives in a free and civil society.
My purpose for writing The Etiquette Blog is to promote the on-going conversation concerning ways we can choose to show up recognizably respectful and civil.
Check out the over 200 articles on The Etiquette Blog to find answers to your etiquette questions on table manners, your social life, and work environment and more.
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Explore and enjoy!
When Life Events Are Turned Into Object Lessons
Object lessons exist to teach us a better path. But when used as a response to something personal you’ve shared, they only serve to chill the conversation.
Continue reading "When Life Events Are Turned Into Object Lessons"
Controlling a Situation vs. Being in a Situation
Unless they are controlling a situation, some people have no idea how to be in one. Etiquette guidelines allow you to know when all that is required is that you be present.
Continue reading "Controlling a Situation vs. Being in a Situation"
How to Maintain a Civil Conversation
It is difficult to predict how someone may react to your opinion on a subject. Fortunately, there are etiquette rules of engagement that can help keep a civil conversation from going awry.
Keeping Your Umbrella Use Etiquette-ful
Having an umbrella available is essential when it’s raining, or even on a sunny day. Let’s review the “must-do’s” of keeping your use of one etiquette-ful.
Using Email Etiquette for Positive Information Sharing
Email etiquette calls for clarity and conciseness. The expectation is that information will be shared quickly and in the spirit of positive communication.
Continue reading "Using Email Etiquette for Positive Information Sharing"
The Criteria and Limitations for Being Candid
Being candid means being frank and open. It asks that you be free from bias, prejudice or malice. It also requires a scrutiny of what it is that you want to say, an examination of your motives.
Continue reading "The Criteria and Limitations for Being Candid"
Three Phases of Conversation When Networking
Conversation fosters connection. When you know how to ease through each phase of connecting with someone, your networking skills will produce an array of acquaintances as well as new friends.
Continue reading "Three Phases of Conversation When Networking"
Assisting Someone Who Has a Disability
Feeling sympathy for someone with a disability or impairment is common. But there are times when a communication or offer to help comes across as rude or condescending. How can we avoid this?
Attending an Event as the Guest of a Guest
Unless you are an outgoing person, attending an event or party as the guest of a guest can be overwhelming. Time to put on your networking hat!
Continue reading "Attending an Event as the Guest of a Guest"
How to Deal with Bad Listeners
You can strive to improve your own listening habits, but you cannot control others who are bad listeners.
Addressing Someone with Correct Transgender Pronouns
Using appropriate transgender pronouns is not only appreciated, it’s etiquette-ful. Good manners indicate that we address a person as they would prefer.
Continue reading "Addressing Someone with Correct Transgender Pronouns"
Should You Always Tell the Truth?
As children, we were told to always tell the truth. This was often supported with the fear that if we didn’t, the truth would eventually be revealed. The operative lesson being, “Don’t lie!”
Someone is Spreading Gossip About You!
It's unsettling to learn that someone is spreading gossip or awful things about you. Should you confront this person? Let it go? Or let time prove what a fool he is for speaking untruths?
Why Moral Support is Just as Meaningful as Material Support
One of the most important gifts we receive as social beings is moral support from family, friends, and colleagues. Kind words or an offer of help give you strength to move forward.
Continue reading "Why Moral Support is Just as Meaningful as Material Support"
Do You Use Terms of Endearment Too Often?
Terms of endearment are typically used between people who are close. But using affectionate names with people you hardly know, or using them too liberally, can make others uncomfortable.
Continue reading "Do You Use Terms of Endearment Too Often?"
Smelly Food in Shared Spaces
Our sense of smell is much more powerful than any of our other senses. But when smelly food is involved, it not only creates an unpleasant situation, it can be very disruptive.
Working Through a Working Lunch
Working lunches consist of you and your colleagues eating while meeting. Though this type of business lunch is not fine dining, your good manners are called for.
Do You Feel Inadequate by Comparison?
We all know someone we aspire to be like. That perfect person who has it all together. It’s one thing to have aspirations, but quite another to feel inadequate when comparing yourself to a friend.
Common Condiments and How to Use Them
Salt and pepper are the most common condiments, but let’s not forget about sauces and relishes. While all these added seasonings can improve a meal, there are times when you might not use them.
Are Traditional Place Settings a Dying Art?
Traditional place settings may make you think of an elegant holiday table or a simple family dinner. But are they a dying art? Or is it that family meals are evolving?
Continue reading "Are Traditional Place Settings a Dying Art?"
Candace Smith Etiquette appears in:
Chicago Tribune
The Old Towne Orange Plaza Review
Orange County Business Journal
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Candace Smith Etiquette
Orange, CA
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