14 Obscure Etiquette Rules You Probably Break All the Time
Updated: Sep. 08, 2023
When it comes to eating, talking on the phone, or even introducing people, you're probably guilty of these not-etiquette-sanctioned behaviors.
Etiquette can be confusing
Etiquette rules can be a tricky business. They’re far less cut-and-dry than, say, laws, and yet some are often taken just as seriously. There are plenty of etiquette rules that go out of fashion, and even some etiquette rules that experts don’t follow anymore. Oh, and there are plenty of little rules that you’ve likely never even heard of, or maybe heard once but never took seriously, that you’re probably breaking all the time.
Expecting your hostess gift to be opened
You probably already know that you should bring a gift to a party or gathering when someone is hosting you, in exchange for their hospitality. But what’s a bit more surprising is the fact that you really shouldn’t be expecting to partake in it yourself. For instance, “bringing a bottle of wine as a hostess gift and then expecting it to be opened during the party because it’s your favorite vintage,” explains etiquette expert Lisa Grotts. “It’s a gift—not a gift to yourself!” The hostess gift, she maintains, is to be enjoyed by the hostess (or host, of course). If you’re receiving a gift, it’s also important to know how to write a heartfelt thank you note so you can express your gratitude.
Not giving an RSVP
In our 21st-century world of casual gatherings—think Facebook invites and text chains—you might think it’s okay to just let your RSVP slide if you can’t make it. But no—it’s still disrespectful! “RSVPs are for accepts and regrets,” Grotts says. “Never leave your host hanging.” Learn more about the etiquette of RSVPs (and what those letters actually mean!).
Being picky when you’ve been invited out to eat
We’ve all asked for a tweak to something on a restaurant menu at some point—hold this, add that, prepare this dish slightly differently. And while Grotts says that that’s fine in many circumstances (as long as you’re polite about it, of course), she says that you absolutely should not do it when you’ve been invited out to eat. If someone else is paying for your meal, sticking to the predetermined menu is the respectful thing to do—especially if they chose the place. Learn more things polite people don’t do in restaurants.
Announcing your bathroom breaks
If you’re seated at the dinner table, a restaurant, a party, et cetera, and have to get up, don’t tell your party where you’re going, Grotts says. If you excuse yourself, “announcing where you are going during a meal, such as to the bathroom or to make a phone call, is uncouth,” she says. It seems a little counterintuitive since it probably seems ruder to just leave without providing any information, but hey, that’s likely why it’s an obscure rule. Grotts says that no matter where you’re going, you simply need to say “please excuse me.” In other words, even if it might seem benign, it can come across as TMI. Speaking of the bathroom, you’re probably breaking these bathroom etiquette rules, too.
Gossiping
It’s tempting. It’s human nature. But, for etiquette’s sake, resist the urge, implores Grotts. “Gossiping about others is toxic behavior,” she says. In fact, if you’re planning on going on adventures with your bestie, here are some etiquette rules for traveling with friends.
Slicing and dicing your food
That’s right; we’re getting into food-related etiquette rules. Grotts says that you should not be cutting all of your food before you eat it; cut and eat one piece at a time. “Cutting all foods on your plate at once is a food crime,” she says. “The rule is one piece at a time. You’re an adult, not a baby.” In that vein, learn some etiquette goofs you should have stopped making by age 30.
Passing the salt—and pepper
Here’s another food-related one you’ve probably never known about. When you hand someone salt and/or pepper, you should be handing them the other one as well, according to proper etiquette. “Salt and pepper are always passed together, just in case someone five seats away wants both,” Grotts says. Sure, that may not be the case, but it can’t hurt, can it? Here are some more little etiquette rules to follow when dining.
Passing food to the right
If you’re at a large enough table where food needs to be passed, you should be passing it to the right, not the left, in other words, make sure you’re going counter-clockwise. This is another rule that might seem somewhat arbitrary, but Grotts explains it: “People are [generally] right-handed; therefore, we go counter-clockwise. That way they hold the plate with their left hand and serve with the right.” Of course, this isn’t ideal for left-handed people—and that’s just the start. Find out all the things you shouldn’t be doing with your left hand.
Using titles in introductions
When you’re introducing someone who uses a formal title, use that title in the introduction! “It’s poor etiquette to disregard rank in introductions,” Grotts says. “If someone has a title—think doctor, U.S. senator, admiral—then use it; they earned it.” It might seem old-fashioned, but it’s still good etiquette! Learn more about these etiquette rules that you should always practice.
Drinking in your own toast
Guilty of this one? Yes, us too. All the time. But technically, if people are toasting to you, you are not supposed to drink; it’s akin to tooting your own horn, applauding yourself. Oh, and while we’re on the topic of toasting etiquette, “one never clinks a glass in a toast—just raise it,” Grotts says. Why would this possibly be a rule? Well, to prevent the possibility of aggressive clinkers causing glasses to break. If you’re willing to assume that risk, go ahead and continue clinking—but it is technically a breach of etiquette. Continue to get your etiquette ball rolling, and learn about 16 things you shouldn’t ask hotel staff.
Talking on your phone in public places
Phones are so ubiquitous that you’ll see them anywhere and everywhere, but there really is a time and a place for them. Or, more accurately, a time and a place not for them. Specifically, avoid yakking on your phone when you’re in line at a store or business, ordering at a restaurant, or any other public encounter that requires interacting with someone who is not the person on the other end of the line. “[It’s] disruptive and rude to the person serving you and others in line,” Grotts says. Learn more cell phone etiquette rules you should always follow.
Using speakerphone in public places
Also disruptive? Using your speakerphone in public—or really at any time you’re around other people. “Never keep your mobile phone on speaker while in public,” Grotts says. Even if you’re not having a private conversation, everyone around you shouldn’t have to hear your entire chat. Check out these social etiquette secrets you’ll learn in etiquette classes.
Over-using fragrances
“Less is more” is the bottom line of this rule, according to Grotts. When you’re applying perfume or fragrance, a little goes a long way, and your scent shouldn’t overpower others, or even come close. “Don’t be heavy-handed with perfume,” Grotts says. “Do a perfume check before you leave the house.” (And, yes, this applies to both men and women.) For more fragrance etiquette, learn 5 spots you should never apply perfume.
Being boastful
Being proud of your accomplishments is great, even encouraged. But boasting? Not cool. “You have just received a promotion or purchased a yacht, but your friend might be unemployed and doesn’t even have a car,” Grotts says. “Good for you, but be humble about it.” This is especially relevant right now when huge numbers of people are experiencing unprecedented hardships and it’s important to be sensitive to that. Next, find out about the rudest things you shouldn’t be doing at the grocery store. We’re sure friends, family, and of course, the staff will be happier knowing you’re avoiding these mistakes.
Sources:
- Lisa Grotts, etiquette expert
