Bringing Etiquette Back In Style

Social interactions have changed. The way in which couples, friends, family and even strangers act towards each other is almost unrecognizable in comparison to the mid-20th century and prior.

In courtship, showing manners and etiquette revealed that you were educated, raised well and ready for commitment. Even the smallest of gestures, such as pulling out a woman's chair, standing up if she got up to visit the powder room, and opening doors, make remarkable impressions.

Besides respectful gestures, what is said and not said is also a part of proper etiquette. In the early 20th century, there was a silent rule as to what was appropriate and inappropriate to bring up in conversation. Today, it seems there are no social rules or restrictions, and everything is up for discussion. In part, this is a result of the Internet, where social media networks, search engines and the ability to hide behind an anonymous online identity have allowed people to talk to anyone about anything at any time.

Socialization has completely changed, and the new generation of youth has abandoned the past's ways of social interaction. It's time to bring back etiquette's glory days, and remind ourselves of the simplest of gestures and words that have a great impact on the impressions we make and the way others reciprocate.
 

Walk This Way

Gentlemen are supposed to walk on the outside of the sidewalk, closest to the road to protect their partner from traffic, accidents and danger. 

 
Dinner

When getting together for dinner, people used to dress for the occassion, meaning blazers were a must. Although this form of etiquette varies based on the location, the general rule of thumb is to look “put together” and not walk into the restaurant wearing your jogging outfit. Attire aside, do not begin to eat, or even touch your plate and cutlery, until all guests are seated. Gentlemen, when dining alone with your partner, make sure to rise from your chair if she's excusing herself from the table. Do not rest your elbows on the table. When you're finished eating, either arrange your cutlery diagonally across the plate or, when eating a meat dish, place your knife on top of your fork between the two middle prongs, so that the tip of the knife is going through the centre of the fork.

Money Sense
 

People generally should not discuss money with others, unless at a meeting designated for the discussion of financial matters. Even today, money is more or less a personal and private matter. If someone is wealthy and discusses money, it will appear as though they are showing off, and if someone is less financially stable, it can appear as though they are asking for it.  
 
More information about money and manners can be found here.
 

Time Is Ticking
 

With each minute that you're late, the person waiting for you grows more annoyed and frustrated. Punctuality is a very important trait to master, as when late, it can convey that you think your life is more important and the person waiting for you has no better way to be spending their time. Being on time is a good habit to have and the easiest etiquette to follow. 
 
More information about punctuality can be found here.
 

Two Big Words
 

“Thank you.” Two of the English language's most neglected words. Saying thank you to the barista who hands you your Americano or latte, to the man who lets you walk through the door before him, or to the person who holds the door open for you is a much-welcomed gesture in these brief interactions.

Hold It!
 

When passing through a door, glance behind you to see if there's someone there. If so, hold the door open for them. Too many just walk through a door and let it smack on the person behind them. There's not a single person who won't appreciate this small gesture.