A Collection of Gentle Reminders to help you politely navigate the world. Check back weekly for additional Etiquette Tips and Gentle Reminders.
Gentle Reminder #101
Do not drink to yourself. Taking a sip during your own toast would be similar to patting yourself on the back.
Gentle Reminder #102
When ordering a meal in a restaurant say “I would like” not “Can I have”
Gentle Reminder #103
When giving a presentation, stand to the left of your visual aids. Doing so will help ensure that the first visual is you. Engaging your audience is key, do not detract with multiple visual aids or props to enhance effectiveness.
Gentle Reminder #104
In business, dress a notch up from your client as a gesture of maintaining professional standards.
Gentle Reminder #105
Rolls should be eaten in thumbnail-size pieces, one at a time.
Gentle Reminder #106
Send a hand written thank-you note after a job interview.
Gentle Reminder #107
When excusing one’s self from the table one need only say “Excuse me” to persons with whom they are speaking.
Gentle Reminder #108
E-mail introductions are common in business today. In the greeting, always assume the formal or until invited to do otherwise.
Gentle Reminder #109
If you want your children to have good manners, lead by example.
Gentle Reminder #110
Never assume anyone wants your business card; ask first.
Gentle Reminder #111
Never Go To Someone’s House Without One Arm Shorter Than The Other (meaning, be sure to bring something) A good hostess will never expect anything in return but a good guest should bring something.
Gentle Reminder #112
Share huge life changing happy news with family and close friends in person or at least with a phone call before it’s shared publicly online.
Gentle Reminder #113
Listen with your mouth closed.
Gentle Reminder #114
Wait until all guests are served and the host begins eating before you begin.
Gentle Reminder #115
Avoid using all caps when tweeting. In internet language, all caps means that you’re yelling.
Gentle Reminder #116
It’s not your job to correct someone else’s poor manners. If someone is being rude or snippy, take the high road.
Gentle Reminder #117
Receive a gift in the spirit in which it was given.
Gentle Reminder #118
When on an interview, the right attitude is often more impressive than the years of experience.
Gentle Reminder #119
Gossip is unnecessary and reflects poorly on character.
Gentle Reminder #120
Apologies are a two-way street. It requires both people to be humble and put pride aside.
Gentle Reminder #121
Any time we are in the midst of an awkward social situation, it’s best met with honesty and a maybe even some humor.
Gentle Reminder #122
Table manners exist for guidance but should never take away from the pleasure of sharing a meal.
Gentle Reminder #123
Instead of deflecting a compliment humbly say, “Thank you”
Gentle Reminder #124
The timeless tradition of men’s hat etiquette is a social grace worthy of passing along.
Gentle Reminder #125
When you find yourself worrying about something embarrassing, you’re likely the only person worrying about it. Laugh at yourself, and carry on.
Gentle Reminder #126
Ending a phone call gracefully is a bit of an art, but whether a phone call is short or long, politeness should always be your goal.
Gentle Reminder #127
It is polite, if someone in line has to step out for a reasonable and unexpected reason, to let that person back in when they return.
Gentle Reminder #128
Always handle uncomfortable questions with confidence and sincerity.
Gentle Reminder #129
Honoring your word is simply doing what you say you’ll do.
Gentle Reminder #130
It’s impossible to be too thankful.
Gentle Reminder #131
A sincere apology shows grace and righting a wrong shows good character.
Gentle Reminder #132
RSVPs are a matter of respect; treat them that way.
