Ed-E-Kett

Task 35, August 30 to September 6

"Good breeding consists of concealing how much we think of ourselves and how little we think of the other person." Mark Twain

Let's face it people--etiquette ain't what it used to be. Much of its finer points have drifted away--done in by the passage of time, the informality of modern interpersonal relationships, the multi-front culture war, social media platforms that democratize but promote uncivil behavior, and of course by the pandemic.

But etiquette is important. Now more than ever!

So here are some rules:

IN GENERAL:

--Dress appropriate to the occasion.

--Let people OFF the elevator before you try to push your way on.

--Shake hands like you mean it. No dead fish, no crushing clutch, just firm and purposeful.

--Be on time. Always.

--Tip appropriately. This isn't Europe.

--Wash your hands after you use the bathroom.

--Cancel your plans with someone THE DAY BEFORE. Concocting an excuse is ok, but don't do it at the last minute.

--Don't talk to your pet in that silly childlike voice if anyone else is around.

--Send a condolence note. It takes five minutes.

--Don't correct someone if they mispronounce a word.

AT SOMEONE’S HOME:

--Put your devise away.

--Chew with your mouth closed.

--Say please, thank you and excuse me.

--Compliment the food even if you can't swallow it.

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WHEN COMPETING:

--Play fair. Don't cheat. Even if you can...

--Lose with dignity, and win with dignity.

WHEN YOU’RE OUT FOR DINNER:

--Gently and politely compete to pay the bill.

--Don't talk about a TikTok/YouTube video/Instagram post you saw.

ON-LINE:

--Never say something on-line that you wouldn't say to a person's face.

RELATIONSHIPS:

--Don't wake up your partner. Ever. If there's someone creeping around outside, deal with it yourself.

--Don't have sex with a friend's wife/husband, girlfriend/boyfriend or ex.

--Gentlemen, put down the toilet seat. Ladies, don't let your hair fall into the sink.

FINALLY:

--If you're white, say 50 Cent, not Fiddy.

TASK:

Get busy gettin' polite.