Whether we make a New Year’s resolution, or we choose an inspirational word to guide us through the year, I always feel that we are all striving to do better, and always become a better, more-likeable version of ourselves.
With this in mind, here is a list of my favourite and timeless rules of etiquette to embrace in 2022:
A smile is the shortest distance between two people, even under a mask!
Finding something in common is a great way to build connections with people
Don’t be late! And if you are late, always give the other person advance notice, building in a polite buffer—i.e. if you think you’ll be 5 minutes late, say 10 minutes. Remember that when you keep someone waiting, what you’re saying is, “my time is more important than your time.”
Always RSVP (whether a yes or no), an answer is always expected!
Correcting bad manners, is bad manners
Give genuine compliments. I always make a point of doing this daily.
Listen, before speaking. Remember that ‘communication’ has a “U-N-I”
Don’t be boastful, arrogant or loud. There is a big difference between sharing and bragging.
It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. I don’t know about you, but it’s a bit disheartening to see sweatpants becoming the norm, even in restaurants!
No phones or tablets at the table - EVERRRRR. Peppa-pig will not mind if you give her a 20 minute break during dinner!
Write more thank-you notes. Invest in beautiful stationary and some nice stamps. Believe me, when most mailboxes are full of Canadian Tire and Remax flyers, these will be a warm and appreciated welcome!
Catch up on current events (not COVID)…these can be great conversation starters
Learn basic table manners and use them daily—the adage is true, “if you don’t use it, you lose it”
Set the table with pride. This may mean choosing a nice cloth linen and adding fresh flowers. I am linking to a gorgeous table throw that I recently bought at Pottery Barn that has me over-the-moon excited to set my next Sunday lunch table… here it is: https://www.potterybarn.com/products/chambray-floral-embroidered-table-throw/?pkey=s~chambray~1944
Never show up empty-handed to someone’s house. I always have an extra container of biscotti ready for the next occasion.
Never ask for leftovers, unless offered to you. Recently, I posted this wonderful Southern Living article that includes a fun video, check it out: https://www.southernliving.com/culture/leftovers-etiquette
Give people the benefit of the doubt—always! Lead with empathy and understanding.
Use more “may I” in conversation. The only difference between “can I” and “may I” is that “may I” sounds so much more polite!
Pick up the phone and call people. Especially today, hearing someone’s friendly voice can be the highlight of someone’s day.
You are your own personal walking brand, what message are you sending out to the world?
Wake up each day with a grateful heart and lead with kindness
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did but people will never forget how you made them feel. Who doesn’t love Maya Angelou!!! My favourite quote of all time.