Good Manners Matter

Proper Etiquette Provides a Framework for Civilization

By Debby Mayne

Updated 04/21/18

Couples having dinner out
You'll have more friends and a much fuller social life if you follow proper etiquette. Paul Bradbury/OJO Images/Getty Images

With all of the rudeness out there, people often wonder why it's even necessary to learn proper manners. After all, if you're the only polite person in the room, you might get taken advantage of. But that's not the case if you know when and how to stand your ground without creating drama.

Imagine how insane the world would be if no one had etiquette guidelines to follow. We'd be living among a huge mess of frustrated, selfish, angry people taking what they wanted without regard to others, grossing people out by chewing with their mouths open, toppling pedestal tables by leaning on their elbows during dinner, and the dreaded folks who cut in line.

We'd likely see quite a few more fights. Contrary to what you see on TV and in some real-life situations, good manners are not out of style.

Social Etiquette

From the moment you wake up to when you go to bed, you need to practice proper social etiquette. This includes how to dress, manners while dining, and showing respect for friends.

Social manners tips:

  • Interview Etiquette - Get the job of your dreams by behaving properly during the interview.
  • 7 Handshake Tips - One way to make a good first impression is to do a proper handshake.
  • After a Job Loss - Remain professional at all times, even after you lose your job. It can make the difference between remaining unemployed or finding another position.
  • Cell Phone Etiquette - Be respectful by following proper cell phone etiquette.
  • Proper Way to Complain - You are much more likely to get results if you follow proper etiquette when making complaints.
  • Avoid Gossip - Talking trash about people will backfire later, and you'll earn a reputation that will have people walking a wide berth around you.
  • How to Deal with a Bad Neighbor - One bad neighbor can make your life miserable, but there are some things you can do that might improve the relationship.

Celebration Etiquette

When something wonderful happens in your life, go ahead and party hearty. But don't forget your manners. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, wedding, or promotion, there are etiquette guidelines to enhance the experience.

Celebrate with good manners:

Family Etiquette

The people you care most about - your family - deserve to be treated with respect as much as anyone else. Use good manners with them, and you are much more likely to have a happy home life. The bonus is that your children will see proper etiquette in action, and you won't have to lecture as long about minding their manners.

Family manners guidelines:

  • Teach Your Children Manners - Give your children an advantage in life by letting them know what is expected of them.
  • Teen Etiquette - Give teens a head start by staying consistent with expectations of good manners.
  • Teach Children Good Sportsmanship - Talk to your kids about the importance of being a good sport.
  • Breastfeeding Etiquette - Follow these guidelines to prevent making others uncomfortable while doing what's best for you and your baby.

Communications Etiquette

We all communicate almost everyday. Whether we talk to people in an office or send emails to people we never see, following proper etiquette during any type of communication is essential to a satisfying life.

Communication manners tips:

Public Manners

Don't forget to take your manners with you when you leave the house. As you are out and about on a routine day or while on vacation, you'll have a much more pleasant time if you follow common etiquette guidelines. You may even find that other people are much more willing to cooperate when you show respect through good manners.

Etiquette tips to follow while out and about: