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 450 current articles by typing a keyword in the search box to the right of your screen.

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Explore and enjoy!

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 nearly two centuries. But are we moving toward a one-handed eating style?

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Visiting a Business Office Etiquette-fully

Visiting a Business Office

Setting a tone of professionalism is important when visiting a business office. As a guest, how you show up determines to the type of impression you make.

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Etiquette-ful Responses When a Request Feels Unreasonable

Considering an Unreasonable Request

When a request feels unreasonable it may be due to a variety of reasons. But even an unreasonable request can receive an etiquette-ful response.

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Space Invaders and Remaining Etiquette-ful

Conversation Invader

Our eyes are constant space invaders, but it’s important to remember that honoring other people’s personal space is an active value.

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Living Your Business Brand

Business Brand

Your business brand represents the heart of your business and how it is seen by its leadership, employees, and clients and why living the brand is so important.

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Being Recognizably Respectful and Other Active Values

Friends Taking a Selfie

Your personal style, behaviors, and interactions reflect active values that you wear on your sleeve, with the aim of being seen as recognizably respectful.

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Respect is Earned

Respect is Earned

Everyone wants to be respected, but it’s important to remember that respect is earned. As someone once told me, “Respect isn’t free.”

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Making the Most of a Networking Event

Networking Event

Mingling at a networking event can be a dreaded business chore. But if you frame your approach ahead of time, you can attend with a positive mindset.

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Live and Let Live as an Etiquette-ful Philosophy

Riding Scooter and Walking

The idiom “live and let live” summarizes the idea that we tolerate the opinions and behaviors of others, and we hope that they will similarly tolerate ours.

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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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Cruise Ship Etiquette

Cruise Ship Deck

A consistent complaint regarding cruising is the notable lack of cruise ship etiquette observed by passengers. Or, perhaps, a lack of etiquette in general?

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When You Fail to Stand Up for Someone

Failed to Stand Up for Him

Situations where you fail to stand up for someone are considered a transgression. Admission and apology are in order, but also a commitment to do better.

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Etiquette is for People by People

Handshake Greeting

Etiquette guidelines are created from the ground up, for people by people, as standardization for navigating certain situations arises.

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Civility and Polite Behavior: How Do They Relate?

Friends Chatting Over Coffee

Getting along with others concerns us all. Polite behavior affects personal interactions, while civility overarches into actions that affect others more publicly.

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What to do When Personality Differences Threaten Family Ties

Family Trail Walk

Families are a mixed bag of personalities and learning to live with personality differences is a challenge each family member faces.

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Ways of Saying No to Your Boss

Saying No to Your Boss

Saying no to your boss can create an annoying situation for you both. However, you can make your declination palatable and remain a loyal, supportive employee.

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Having an Etiquette-ful “No Gifts, Please” Conversation

Gifts for All Occasions

Changing traditions needs a gentle approach. So, how do you tell family and friends “No gifts, please” without hurting feelings and find an alternate tradition?

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Why Cutting Corners Can Hurt Your Etiquette-ful Brand

Cutting Corners

Cutting corners or doing something in an easy and quick way leaves something out at the expense of higher standards. Are you risking your reputation this way?

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Choosing Etiquette Gives Form and Color to Our Lives

Friends Celebrating a Special Event

Choosing etiquette means we choose to show up recognizably respectful in our behaviors. We exemplify the principles of good manners: kindness and compassion.

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Etiquette-ful Driving Guidelines to Remember

Putting on Seatbelt

Getting into the driver’s seat of a car means you agree to follow the driving guidelines set by law. Most are not only lawful, they are also etiquette-ful.

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