What your momma never taught you

Though I am surrounded by military men and women who are polite and mannerly, I still must file a complaint against some of the people within our society. I'm not talking about any recent problem I've had lately, but I take great notice in how people these days just lack common courtesy and manners! Call me old-fashioned, but being kind will take you a long way. And knowing some specific etiquette tips may take you farther.

I'll never forget how me and one of my dearest friends were writing thank-you cards for the general's wife. We rewrote that letter about half a dozen times! But this isn't about how to go about writing a proper thank-you note, but rather knowing when to write a thank-you note.

 Maybe these little tips will make us all a tad bit decent. In no way am I trying to steal Emily Post's spotlight. Instead, I'm trying to put you in the spotlight for maybe one day using some of these awesome etiquette tips! Enjoy!

Rules of the road: (1) No raking women with your eyes; glance quickly and respectfully. (2) Offer to share a taxi rather than fight over it. (3) Babies in strollers get right-of-way—until they abuse it. (4) Still no ogling girls—c’mon! (5) And skateboarding, are you kidding me? (6) Not everybody loves your dog as much as you do. (7) No bicycling on the sidewalk unless under the age of 6. (8) Pedestrians can die of secondhand smoke, too.   (Taken from NY Guides)

Personal Etiquettes:

Thank-you cards. While the topic is still fresh in your mind, consider sending a quick thank-you card to any party you go to! Thank the host for feeding you, and having you as a guest in their home, and any other specifics. It truly goes a long way! Not kidding.
Talking on speakerphone. Before you place someone on speakerphone, you should ask their permission first! They don't know if someone is with you. They could share confident information.
Losing a call. Ever play phone tag when you somehow get disconnected? Who is in charge of calling back if the call is lost? Whoever initiated the call is responsible! This will make phone tag a lot easier.
Late night phone calls. As a general rule, place your phone calls between 9a.m-9p.m. unless an individual indicates that he or she doesn't mind calls before or after that time frame.
Returning phone calls. Return calls the same day.
Answering phone calls. Never let small children answer the phone. While it may be adorable to some people, it is frustrating to most!
Wedding invitations. The parties invited are written on the invitation envelope. Do not add guests whose names are not included. A big NO-NO!! (I'm sure you newlyweds remember this well!)
Wedding invitations. If you've been invited to a wedding and cannot attend, you should still send a gift. Also, a tangible gift is more meaningful than cash.
At the dinner table. Avoid putting on makeup, including lipstick, at the dinner table. This includes at a restaurant. Excuse yourself to apply it in a private place!
At a party. Don't ask for a tour of your host's home unless the host offers!
When hosting a party. Don't ask people to bring anything or pay you money for food costs. If you throw a party, you should consider your expenses and if it is too costly, don't have one. If someone offers to bring something, it is usually out of politeness. Alcohol isn't such a big deal, but anything else is.
Punctuality. Be on time! People think these days it is okay to be casually late, but it is rude. If the party starts at noon. Be there at noon. Not at 1pm. Never arrive too early either. A host may not be entirely ready for you.
Hold the door. Whether you are male or female, you should always hold the door for someone behind you.

Professional Etiquettes:

Sneezing/Coughing in public. You should sneeze or cough as quietly as possible. Cover your mouth with your left hand thus leaving your right hand clean for shaking hands, opening doors, etc.
Using first names. Only use first names when the individual asks you to do so. For starters, begin with "Mrs..." or "Mr..."
Introducing people. You should use their name first rather than position. Correct: "This is John Smith, my mentor." Incorrect: "This is my mentor, John Smith."
Asking someone to repeat something when you couldn't hear them. Avoid saying "What?" or "Huh?" because it sounds brash and unrefined. Instead, say, "I'm sorry?" or "Pardon me?"
Include everyone in conversation. Never whisper to people. Always include everyone in the conversation. Ask questions to put people at ease.
Remember names. When you are introduced to people, you should repeat their name aloud so you will remember.



Miscellaneous Etiquettes:

Tipping on take-out food. If you call in an order of food for pickup, is it necessary to tip? No. Don't feel guilty about that tip line when you use your credit card.
Tipping on a meal with a coupon. If you receive a free meal, you should still tip 15-20% of the price you would have paid if you didn't have the coupon.
Paying for the bill. Whoever extends an invitation to dine out should be responsible for paying for the bill--regardless of gender.

"Having good manners is always in style."