Utilizing Instead of
Analyzing Etiquette Rules

Learning to take charge of your immediate personal space is what "etiquette for the business of life" is all about.

It's best to settle into the etiquette rules that make sense so that we don't have to think about them and they become good habits of life. . . one task, project, class, family engagement at a time. Settling into common sense is what etiquette is all about.

Etiquette Is . . .

There are simple, often unwritten rules that are at the heart of any situation. What this means is that we find ways of settling into the rhythm of our situations.

In moments that overwhelm, it’s productive to utilize, not analyze, the rules of thumb and the "tried and trues" of etiquette. Although analysis has its place in our lives, we can only spend but a few of our minutes analyzing everything we do.

The social rules embedded in time-tested protocols exist for us to utilize. What can we use and count on to help us keep our cool and remain steady and calm, taking one thing at a time, doing the best we can?

What Etiquette Is Not

Etiquette is not old-fashioned or pretentious. Particularly in our professional worlds where etiquette is essential!
Etiquette is not about telling other people what to do. It’s just about managing ourselves in our own spaces of personal responsibility, which tends to make other people feel good.
Etiquette is not snobby. It is an inclusive system that keeps us mindful and open to enjoy the company of others.

Practice Using Etiquette Rules

By learning and exercising the etiquette rules of social decorum such as making introductions, using appropriate table manners, and making good first impressions, we subscribe to harmonizing conduct and smooth the edges of our social interactions.

Then we can settle in, relax and enjoy ourselves in social situations where respectful behavior is necessary.

We’re in charge, automatically, of our immediate personal space. Now, there is time to mind other tasks of our many "businesses" of life.