50 Little Etiquette Rules You Should Always Practice
Updated: Dec. 05, 2022These tips will help you mind your manners.
When to start eating:
If you’re seated at a table with eight or fewer guests, wait until everyone is served and for the hostess to begin eating before you dig in. At a long banquet table, it’s OK to start when several people are seated and served. Here are more table etiquette mistakes you really need to stop making.
What to keep off the table:
All items not having to do with food (and decoration) should remain off the table: keys, clutch bags, sunglasses, and especially phones.
When to text:
“If you’re in a situation where you’d excuse yourself to go to the bathroom, you should also excuse yourself before reaching for your phone,” writes Farhad Manjoo on slate.com. Don’t forget these other cell phone etiquette tips you need to start following.
What to do if you’re not drinking wine:
Don’t make a big deal of saying you don’t drink. Simply place your fingertips on the rim of the glass and say “Not today, thanks.” This implies no judgment of those who wish to imbibe.
How to talk on speakerphone:
Don’t use a speakerphone unless you’re in your office and holding a meeting that’s being attended by someone remotely. Alert the person you’re speaking with that others are present, close the door, and definitely don’t be a chatterbox while you talk. FYI: Using speakerphone at full volume to go through your voice mailbox is the definition of annoying.
How to handle the work kitchen microwave
Come on. And you shouldn’t be heating up these foods that should never go in the microwave either.
Here’s some basic airport etiquette:
And once on board, stow your stuff and get out of the aisle quickly. When claiming your baggage, don’t crowd the carousel. Step forward only when you see your bag. Don’t miss these other airport mistakes to stop making before your next flight.
Here’s basic email etiquette:
If all you have to say in your email reply is “Thanks!” refrain from sending it. You’re just clogging an inbox. Here are more email etiquette rules you should follow.
When to send work texts vs. emails:
Work emails can be sent anytime, but business texts should be restricted to one hour before the start of the workday to two hours after it ends, according to The Modern Gentleman.
Here’s a major food passing faux pas:
Grabbing a bowl of salad or a saltshaker as it’s being passed to someone who asked for it is the equivalent of cutting in line: greedy and rude. Don’t miss these Victorian era etiquette tips that need to make a comeback.
When to check your phone in meetings:
Don’t check personal devices during a meeting attended by your boss or anyone else who can make her disapproval your problem.
How to behave in an elevator:
You should also hold the doors for others before you board. Check out more rules of modern elevator etiquette.
Here’s an essential part of being a good host:
If a guest at your party is drunk, ask him discreetly if he’d like to lie down, if you can arrange for a ride, or even if he’d like to spend the night. Do not let him drive. Check out these tips to host a party the right way.
How to handle guests at a wedding:
Don’t ask to bring a guest to a wedding if your invitation doesn’t indicate you may. Check out these wedding etiquette rules that you absolutely can’t break.
Here’s the proper way to talk on the sidewalk:
Keep to the right on the sidewalk, and keep moving. Don’t stop to text or check email, especially at a building entrance.
This is modern Wi-Fi etiquette:
It’s OK to piggyback on a neighbor’s free Wi-Fi as long as you don’t hog it and do realize it’s not secure.
Try to follow this cell phone rule:
Don’t talk on cell phones in a waiting room, checkout line, restaurant, train, or (heaven forbid!) bathroom stall. You’ll want to see these etiquette rules that the royal family always follows.
When to email thank-yous:
You can email thank-yous for party invitations and birthday gifts given in person as long as you send each of them separately. (No cc’s.) For mailed gifts, letters of recommendation, and wedding presents, a written note is still preferable.
How to handle work Facebook friends
It’s OK (and even advisable) to follow your boss on Twitter, but you shouldn’t try to friend him or her on Facebook. Friends implies equivalency; followers, not so.
This is basic party etiquette:
Bring wine or flowers or dessert. Plus, don’t forget these potluck etiquette rules for your next party.
How your answering machine greeting should sound:
Still own an answering machine? Make sure the outgoing message isn’t annoying or twee.
This basic dog walking etiquette is timeless:
No matter where you are. Here are more etiquette tips every dog owner should know.
Here’s diaper-changing etiquette new parents must know:
Change the baby away from other people and not on a table where someone might eat. At someone’s house? Ask where is a good place to do your dirty work.
Here’s the right way to converse with someone with an accent:
If you chat long enough, it will come up naturally in conversation. Here are more secrets you’ll learn in etiquette classes.
Follow this basic RSVP etiquette:
Don’t assume that not sending in an RSVP is the same a responding “no.”
Here’s a basic rule for social media posts:
Don’t post sensitive personal information on social media, especially if your co-workers can see what you post. Here are some things you should never post about your relationships on social media.
Keep this cell phone rule in mind during a bad connection:
Even if you can’t hear the person on the other end very well, that doesn’t mean they can’t hear you.
Here’s a basic rule for pet owners:
Your dog Snickers may be very cute, but don’t assume that everyone wants your pet in their home (or store). Check out these British etiquette rules that Americans should adopt.
