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10 Easy Etiquette Tips
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By ARA
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(ARA) - Do you think you have a good grasp of modern manners and etiquette? A recent survey begs to differ. Results from the fourth annual Lenox Gift-Giving and Etiquette Survey show that more than one-third of the respondents rate the manners of Americans in general as poor; yet 80 percent of respondents rate their own manners as excellent.
However, the survey uncovered a lack of basic etiquette knowledge. For example, 45 percent of those surveyed don¡¯t always send a thank you note after receiving a gift; less than one-third of respondents always bring a gift for the host or hostess when visiting someone¡¯s home; and 40 percent of respondents don¡¯t always send wedding gifts when they cannot attend.
¡°Good manners and proper etiquette are at the very core of how we communicate with one another,¡± says Denise Dinyon, Lenox gift-giving and etiquette expert. ¡°We need to develop and reinforce those essential courtesies that make our relationships strong, valuable and long-lasting.¡± She offers the following etiquette tips, which are easy to incorporate into everyday life:
1. Turn the cell phone off -- completely -- during a luncheon meeting, social function, or on public transportation.
2. Hold the door -- whether male or female, hold open a door you have just passed through for the person behind you.
3. Bring a gift for the hostess -- preferably one that doesn¡¯t require her to drop everything she is doing.
4. Keep to the right -- on the sidewalk, in stairwells.
5. Say please and thank you -- to waiters, flight attendants, store clerks, cab drivers -- the little things go a long way.
6. Circulate at a party or social gathering -- whether hostess or guest, the people, not the food or drink, should be your main focus.
7. Keep food or drink, briefcases or files in your left hand -- keep your right hand free for handshakes.
8. Stamp and address thank you notes in advance -- when you know they will be needed, then fill them out and drop them in the mail after attending an event or receiving a gift or favor and you¡¯ll be done.
9. Make eye contact and offer a warm smile -- in every situation, this sets people at ease.
10. Be perceptive -- survey a situation and always use your best judgment.
¡°Now, more than ever, people need to live graciously,¡± says Dinyon. ¡°Having good manners is always in style.¡±
For more information, tips, and gift ideas, visit www.lenox.com or call (800) 63-LENOX.
Courtesy of ARA Content
About the author: Courtesy of ARA Content
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