Welcome to Tea Time with Charli, where we talk about all things involving etiquette.
Hello Tea Timers, I hope you have been enjoying your summer. In our last blog, we discussed the importance of the R.S.V.P. and how to successfully execute it. Today we’ll be talking about etiquette.
Etiquette is more than replies and responses or knowing how to set a table– although these things are beneficial! Etiquette is about showing respect and caring enough about people to treat them the way you want to be treated– fostering a positive and comfortable environment by developing a standard of decorum. Knowing that people remember how you make them feel. We want to be socially aware and emotionally intelligent, whether in a social or professional environment. God’s Word provides us many rules of etiquette, think about it! One of the golden rules in Matthew (7:12) is: “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…”
Listed below are some basic etiquette rules everyone should know and follow:
1. Don’t be Late – being on time indicates that you value other people’s time, if you can, be 10-15 minutes early.
2. Dress Appropriately – Before attending an event, if the invite doesn’t specify a dress code, you can ask the event planner if the event is formal or informal or google the location to get an idea of the environment. If you are not sure it is better to be overdressed than underdressed.
3. Greetings – When entering a room make eye contact and lead with a smile. Greet the room with a general hello. If you are entering a room with people you are meeting for the first time make sure to introduce yourself and shake hands.
4. Always use your Manners – Without fail, use “please” every time you make a request and use “thank you” when you are being assisted, complimented, provided information, or waited on.
5. Think before you Speak – Do not use vulgarity not even in jest, and stay away from political and sensitive subjects, especially if children are in attendance. Avoid gossip.
6. Personal Space – Do not invade people’s personal space by “close talking,” looking over their shoulders at their cell phones, or touching them (their hair). Always ask permission before touching.
7. Cell Phone Management – Be in the moment: if possible don’t use your cell phone, give people your undivided attention. When eating, put the phone away. If you must take a call, excuse yourself and take it in a private location– and remember to use a respectable speaking voice.
8. Apologies – If you find yourself in a situation where you are at fault or there is a “misunderstanding,” apologize– when they go low, you go high! Proverbs (15:1) “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger…”
9. Introducing People – if introducing someone to a host you can say “This is my husband, John” or “This is my friend, Sarah”. However, the basic protocol is to introduce the lesser-ranking person to the higher-ranking person. Ex: “Professor Haynes, I would like to introduce you to Cara. Cara, please meet Professor Haynes.” If you feel the need you can share some information about the two parties.
10. Always say Goodbye – you should never leave an event without telling the host or hosts goodbye. If you enjoyed yourself, let the host know that you had a great time, if not simply thank them for being invited.
