Tips on how to act in social and business situations.
I've noticed more rudeness lately, and I wonder why people think it's okay to act the way they do. From angry drivers to people asking rude questions about things that are none of their business, bad manners seem to be everywhere. This is creating a hostile environment, which can lead to violence and health issues that could be eliminated if everyone learned to behave.
Here are some things I wish everyone would learn:
A friend recently interviewed for a job over lunch. Before she went, she called and asked me for some tips because she was concerned that the prospective employer might be testing her. That's entirely possible, so I advised her to follow the lead of the host. Something I once heard when I first started out in the business world was to taste the food before salting it to show that you think before you act. I'm not sure that's true, but it's a tip that I remember.
Whether you are a host or guest of a business lunch, it's always a good idea to know proper etiquette and use it. While you might enjoy getting rowdy with friends, you'll want to remember that a business lunch is about...well, it's about business. Try to keep it that way. That's not to say you shouldn't be friendly. Go ahead and talk about the latest football game or the last time you went fishing. However, it's never a good idea to tell off-color jokes or say anything you wouldn't say in the office.
Even though everyone is different, we all experience major moments in our lives. Make sure you are prepared for them and don't forget your manners.
Save these tips for times when you're not sure what to do:
All my life, I've been amazed by what a small world this is. I grew up in a military family, and many times I ran into friends I'd known at a different Air Force base years earlier. A girl I knew in elementary school in Japan called out my name as I walked through the locker room at the base swimming pool in Hawaii. Someone I went to middle school with in Mississippi walked up to me at my high school in Hawaii and gave me a huge hug.
As I walked through the mall a couple of years ago, I made eye contact with one of my former students who had gotten a job in retail management. And then there were the times I'd run into friends from work or church at the grocery store. You never know who you'll run into when you leave the house, so it's always a good idea to be on your best behavior.
When you're out and about, follow these tips to show your best self:
