Social Etiquette

How many times have you heard someone express social etiquette in a way that made you wonder what they were thinking? Well, you could begin by making sure that you are not making any of the following social etiquette mistakes. Saying "thank you" publicly upon receiving an invitation to an event or a new job usually feels more like gratitude than respect. People might not understand your gesture of thankfulness and it could come across as rude. If you would like to know how to say thank you without offending people, continue reading.

Thank you for attending my open house, but I must decline. Do not let the overly polite doorman or attendant push you into a corner so that he can snap a picture of you with all of the other attendees. If he truly cares about your well being, he will not do this. If there is another group that you should be meeting with, he could send you a private message instead of making it an event that requires everyone's undivided attention. The bottom line is: you do not have to stand in line to thank someone; polite business manners suffice.

As for what business social etiquette refers to, it is how you should conduct yourself during mealtime. Etiquette may state that you should not be in front of the dining room table when your spouse or family member is eating with you. This type of etiquette refers to an important life event that you should probably wait to partake in. In general, however, people are expected to be courteous when dining with friends or family. It is rude to talk incessantly during a meal.

One of the most important business etiquette rules that relates to women is that you should never give a young woman any type of gifts above her salary. You should not buy her expensive jewelry, designer clothes or other gifts as these items can be perceived as very expensive and not affordable to most young women. If you have a young daughter who is attending college, be sure to make her aware of the social etiquette rules regarding gifts so she does not end up getting a gift that is inappropriate for her status in life.

You may not be able to eliminate other types of etiquette faux pas from your life, but you should try to avoid doing them as much as possible. For example, it is perfectly acceptable to say thank you in a greeting, but saying, "I'd like to thank you for sharing this beautiful table setting with us." Is there any confusion? These types of phrases will sound very formal and very rich and classy, but they will really not show your gratitude in a very good manner. Instead, use "thank you very much" and leave the hostess free to send you on your way.

You may not be able to eliminate other types of etiquette faux pas from your life, but you should try to avoid doing them as much as possible. For example, it is perfectly acceptable to say thank you in a greeting, but saying, "I'd like to thank you for sharing this beautiful table setting with us." Is there any confusion? These types of phrases will sound very formal and very rich and classy, but they will really not show your gratitude in a very good manner. Instead, use "thank you very much" and leave the hostess free to send you on your way.