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Technological advancements are transforming our lives today. Politics is more polarized than ever. We are bombarded with information and stimulation around the clock, leaving us feeling increasingly rushed.
It’s no surprise that our manners and the way we show one another respect in our daily lives have also changed, and not always for the better. But as the old adage goes, all we can do is treat others the way we wish to be treated, so there’s nothing stopping us from incorporating some of the lost traditions of etiquette into our daily lives.
These rarely used etiquette rules don’t have to be forgotten. We can save them before it’s too late. How many from list do you think you sill start practicing?
Forgotten Etiquette Rules: Thank You Cards and Invitations
One casualty of our constant digital connection with one another has been the handwritten “Thank You” card.
It is acceptable to text expressions of gratitude when someone has done something we appreciate. Though it’s better than nothing, sending a text doesn’t convey the same sense of appreciation as mailing a card.
A card shows that you took time to find one, write a personal note, and deliver it to the person you’re thanking. This certainly requires more effort than sending a text, but it’s well worth it to the person you’re thanking.
We also seem to have forgotten our courtesy when it comes to invitations we receive. For some reason–perhaps it’s the hurried pace of our lives or our shortened attention spans–fewer people RSVP after receiving an invitation today. Some who receive an invitation might not know what RSVP means. It’s an acronym for the French phrase “Repondez S’il Vous Plait,” which means “answer please.”
The larger the event, the more critical it is to show courtesy by RSVPing promptly. About 80 percent of people RSVP “yes” to weddings, helping the couple know how much food to have prepared. But aside from that practicality, it’s simply kind to RSVP to someone who has shown you the kindness of an invitation.
Dating Rules and Popping the Question
Many people these days also seem too rushed when proposing marriage. Taking the time to ask your significant other’s parents for their blessing before you propose marriage might seem old-fashioned or unnecessary. Legally, seeking this blessing isn’t needed, but it starts your life together on the right note.
A parent who receives a request like this feels honored. They know you don’t need to do this, but you have done it anyway, which shows them you will treat them and their child with love and respect.
Hopefully, they’ve already seen you showing your child respect and even a little chivalry if your partner appreciates it.
With women achieving more rights, opportunities, and status in society today, it can be difficult for men to navigate dating norms.
Do they open the door for the woman? Do they pay the bill at dinner? Of course, this can depend on the woman’s views.
Women should make their views on this known to the man, and the man should care what she says on the subject.
Opening a door for a woman stems from a time when society viewed women as physically less capable of doing so themselves. Some women see this as outdated, so a man should try to ascertain her feelings on it. For other women, however, it can make them feel respected and help the suitor stand out from the dating crowd.
Forgotten Etiquette Rules: Table Manners
Of course, you might not make it past the first date if you display some of the table manners we see today. Some may regard table manners as outdated and even classist, perhaps even with a sound argument. However, the fact remains that many employers and business clients, prospective or existing, still believe table manners are essential and will make judgments about people based on them.
Don’t confuse table manners with formality. We can casually avoid grossing people out.
Some table manners are more important to remember than others. Prospective employers or clients sometimes want to see how job applicants handle themselves socially during meals. If hired, they may need to dine with clients.
Use common sense here. Etiquette rules include where to place your napkin if you leave the table and which type of fork to use with different meal courses. However, those rules are less important than more obvious manners, such as chewing with your mouth closed, avoiding talking while chewing, blowing your nose away from the table, and keeping your elbows off the table.
Giving Others Attention
Aside from table manners, giving others attention is also essential to social etiquette. It involves actively listening, conversing with others, and showing interest in what they say.
Instead, more people are guilty of “phubbing”: Giving attention to a smartphone instead of the person you’re with physically and neglecting your social responsibilities.
Phubbing damages relationships and hinders communication. Think of restaurant patrons who keep their phones on the table or in their hands, to the dismay of servers competing for their attention.
Studies have shown that even the site of a smartphone diminishes the quality of a conversation. So, put it away. We can do more to let others know they have our full attention.
Look them in the eye. Turn off the TV. Close the laptop. Take out the earbuds. Listen actively.
Strangers Deserve Respect
We also need to treat strangers with more civility and respect.
Today’s consumer has a wide array of choices. Anyone dealing directly with customers should remember this when it comes time to close a transaction. If a customer thanks the employee for their service, the employee should, in turn, thank them for their business.
Unfortunately, many young retail or restaurant workers don’t understand this. They’ll reply to the customers’ “Thank you” with a “No Problem” or a silent but cool head nod. Have they not been trained?
As the worker, they should express gratitude to the customer for their business. After all, if the customer didn’t come and buy, the worker would have no job.
We also see this lack of manners when it comes to discussing politics. As politically polarized as we are today, it can be tempting to ‘talk politics’ with friends, family, acquaintances, and coworkers in situations that are supposed to be friendly and civil. This can be a minefield. You may want to resist the urge.
Like discussing religion, talking politics these days can bring out the worst in people.
A 2023 Quinnipiac University poll found that about 60 percent of voters surveyed said they didn’t want to discuss politics while visiting family and friends for Thanksgiving. Pass the dressing. Hold the partisanship?
At work, most people say they’ve discussed politics with coworkers at least once over the past year. Gen Z workers are the most sensitive and are more likely to say they wouldn’t work for someone if they knew they didn’t share their political views.
Sharent of the Year?
The rise and ubiquity of social media have allowed people to remain connected, at least virtually, with friends, former friends, relatives, and acquaintances like never before. Many users would consider that a positive thing, but sharing without observing proper boundaries can invade the privacy of the social media poster’s family members, especially their children.
Oxford has defined “sharenting” as sharing news, images, or videos of one’s children on social media. The term doesn’t automatically carry a negative connotation, but moderation could be critical. It’s one thing to share a photo of a child blowing out birthday candles, but researchers are increasingly studying sharenting’s effects on children whose traumatic or sensitive moments are shared.
There’s also a growing trend of parents sharing videos pranking their kids. Before sharing, parents should place themselves in their children’s shoes and ask: Why am I doing this?
Is it for attention? Would I have wanted privacy as a child before social media existed? If so, why don’t my children deserve the same?
Forgotten Etiquette Rules: Parent’s Bad Behavior
Perhaps the ugliest example of the erosion of manners, decency, and respect can be seen, of all places, in youth sports. The national shortage of youth sports officials is worsening, and unruly parents primarily drive this trend. They set an awful example for their children by yelling at umpires and referees, even physically assaulting them in rare cases that have gone viral.
What happened to the days when parents watched their children play sports for the fun of it, learning all the great life lessons that athletic competition and team sports provide? What happened to the days when parents kept their mouths shut in the stands other than to shout positive words of encouragement?
18 Gen X Trends Whose Time Has Past
Every generation has distinctive trends and behaviors – some timeless, others not so much. The Gen X cohort, those born between 1965 and 1980, definitely left their mark on the culture of the time. However, like all trends, some of this era have become outdated and should be reconsidered. Here are 18 Gen X trends that might have outlived their relevance.
- Read More: 18 Gen X Trends Whose Time Has Past
Timeless Wisdom: 20 Seinfeld Quotes That Perfectly Capture Life’s Quirks
Enter the quirky, fast-paced world of “Seinfeld,” a sitcom that entertained and offered a treasure trove of timeless quotes. From “No soup for you!” to “Yada, yada, yada,” these lines have transcended eras, encapsulating life’s quirks with wit and precision. In this collection, discover 21 ageless Seinfeld quotes that effortlessly encapsulate the essence of everyday situations, proving that the show’s humor and insight continue to resonate, remaining as relevant now as they were during their first hilariously unforgettable airing. Thanks, Jerry, for your insight…
12 Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations You Thought You Couldn’t Afford
Just because you’re watching your money doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a trip abroad. All it takes is a little sifting through countries with the lowest exchange rates. Located in the Americas, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa, these hot spots offer dynamic cities to explore and stunning landscapes to escape it all.
These exotic locations allow you to splurge without blowing a stack of cash. These destinations were chosen by sorting through the lowest exchange rates for each country against the U.S. dollar. Then, the final selection was made by examining features, including safety, the quality of cultural and outdoor activities, and easy accessibility to natural beauty, such as mountains, rivers, and the ocean.
So, if you’ve avoided international travel due to cost, we think the places on this list represent a great opportunity you probably didn’t know about.
