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!

Performing an Hors d'oeuvres Balancing Act

Hors d'oeuvres

Hors d'oeuvres can be tricky when you try and balance them with drinks, napkins, and networking. Here are some tidbits to help get you through cocktail hour unscathed.

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Door Etiquette: Entering and Exiting with Others

Woman entering a door

Door etiquette is another aspect of being mindful of others. Opening a door for someone, holding a door open for another behind you, or gesturing someone to pass through first, is simple kindness.

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Etiquette for Introverts

Young People Partying at Home

Etiquette for introverts doesn’t require pretending to be an extrovert. It's about being genuinely considerate while honoring your natural communication style.

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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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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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The Power of Facial Expressions in Virtual Communication

Facial Expressions Collage

Understanding your facial expressions in virtual communication can be the difference between building strong relationships and sending the wrong message.

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How to Stop Being Late: Strategies to Improve Your Punctuality

Woman in a Hurry

Are you tired of rushing through doors with apologies? Discover why you're always running behind and learn practical strategies to become reliably punctual.

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Allowing Etiquette and Grace to Build Connections

Congratulating Colleague with Handshake

The timeless principles of etiquette and grace remain powerful tools for creating meaningful connections and navigating social situations with confidence.

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How to Use the American and Continental Dining Styles

Dining Close-out

The American and Continental dining styles are two different approaches to using utensils during meals. Read on for an overview of each style.

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Meaningful Etiquette in a Busy World

Giving a Plant to a Neighbor

The phrase "hands-off" might suggest detachment, but there are ways to maintain meaningful etiquette and stay connected while respecting personal boundaries.

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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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Modern Earbud Etiquette for Social and Professional Spaces

Using Smartwatch and Earbuds in a Park

Modern earbud etiquette is essential in our technology-driven society. Like all etiquette rules, it exists to promote harmony while preserving social connections.

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Choosing Love Over Division to Create Deeper Connections

I Choose Love

By choosing love over division, we don't just improve individual relationships—we transform our entire social ecosystem.

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Being Recognizably Respectful While Navigating Social Interactions

Two Friends on a Cycling Adventure

In our hyper-connected yet complex social landscape, the concept of being recognizably respectful has emerged as a cornerstone of meaningful human interaction.

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The Mute Button Matters: Audio/Video Etiquette in a Hybrid Workplace

Online Video Conference

The mute button represents one of the most powerful tools in your virtual meeting toolkit. Here’s how your use of it can impact your professional reputation.

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Is Profanity Ever Acceptable? A Guide to Modern Swearing Etiquette

Man Laughing with a Friend

While language norms evolve, understanding when profanity is socially acceptable has become nuanced. Is it offensive, or a tool for emotional expression?

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Is It Appropriate to Call a Stranger by Terms of Endearment?

Serving Customer at Coffee Shop

Terms of endearment like "honey," or "sweetie" spark varied reactions from strangers. Some view these expressions as friendly; others find them uncomfortable.

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Practicing Etiquetteful Habits Each Day

Man Taking a Photo

Practicing etiquette-ful habits is as relevant as ever. Etiquette isn't about outdated rules or customs but showing respect and courtesy through daily actions.

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Connecting Economics and Etiquette

Economics and Etiquette

The connections between economics and etiquette include both pertain to understanding guidelines that shape our decisions and both offer predictive outcomes.

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The Art of Giving and Receiving Compliments

Group of Friends Laughing

Both giving and receiving compliments can feel awkward or uncomfortable. Yet, a genuine compliment can brighten someone’s day and strengthen relationships.

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