Did You Know?
Take Etiquette Test
by Angela Jordan on 04/26/16
American Flag Etiquette
by Angela Jordan on 07/04/15How Technology Is Killing Eye Contact
by Angela Jordan on 10/01/13This is a great read. Please click on link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/28/why-youre-not-making-eye-_n_4002494.html
Thank You!
by Angela Jordan on 04/10/13
P.S. If you NEVER receive compliments, it could be because you NEVER give them. Think on this.
"Tis The Season to Be Jolly"
by Angela Jordan on 11/28/12
“Tis The Season To Be Jolly”
Christmas is fast approaching. This time of year mixed emotions can escalate
with many people. Experiences of past hurt, neglect, and uncontrollable
circumstances can reopen wounds of bad memories of Christmas. On the other hand, there are many people who
are happy and who are spreading Christmas joy through parties, fellowshipping, caroling
and gift giving. As we celebrate this
Christmas let’s be mindful of all people.
I
had the opportunity to interview a Therapist /Trainer/Consultant by the name of
Arlene Story. When asked what advice
could she give to people this Christmas season, she states, “Find something positve about each person that you meet to compliment. Whether it is the cashier or the homeless, people respond to positive things and it helps them to shift out
of a negative space.” So often, we are
so wrapped up in the rush that we tend to forget the little positive gestures
that can make a difference in someone else’s life.
As we prepare for this holiday season with buying and receiving Christmas gifts, let us keep in mind a few Christmas etiquette tips that will keep us looking good and making others feel extremely special and important. Keep in mind the golden rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Shopping:
·
Manage your attitude.
· Don’t steal a parking space when you see others waiting to get
it.
·
Open doors for others.
·
Don’t cut people off while getting in line.
· Be mindful of the cashier. Don’t carry on a ten minute
conversation with
the cashier. Others are waiting.
·
Demonstrate patience as you wait in line;
after all it’s only one cashier and a million other customers. If you must, Arlene Story says, “Out of
frustration, we should B-R-E-A-T-H”
and go to another cashier without making a fuss".
·
When greeting people smile, say “Hello, Good
morning, Good evening, Good afternoon.
· When exiting the prescence of others, remember
to smile and say… “Thank you, have a nice day , Have a blessed day, Have a good morning, Have a good evening,” or whichever is appropriate for the moment .
· Enjoy the shopping process.
Christmas Cards
· Get
your cards early. Mail by the first week in December.
·
Handwritten.
Give it a personal touch. Write on the
inside, put your signature on the inside, address the envelope (don’t forget to
put your return address), seal the envelope and use proper postage.
·
Be
Considerate. Many people do not celebrate Christmas.
Take beliefs, religion and cultures into consideration.
·
E-cards.
Don’t send in place of a real card unless you are responding to their e-card.
Help the Less Fortunate
· Find someone or a family to serve. Find out what their needs are. Maybe it's food, gifts, money or an inspirational home visit. Sometimes it’s even extra special if you play Santa and anonymously leave a box full of goodies on their porch or door step.
Gift Giving
·
Be thoughtful.
·
Think through what you are going to give.
·
Consider the person that you are giving the
gift to --their likes and dislikes.
·
Give something that you would like to have.
·
Stay within your budget.
Gifts
You Don't Wrap
We all love to wrap gifts, but some of the things we can give at the holidays can’t be wrapped. By spending an hour with your children and talking about this concept, you will raise their consciousness about these special gifts. ( Emily Post)
· Kindness
·
Consideration
·
Helping out
·
Preparing for company
·
Decorating
·
Helping with shopping
· Cleaning the house
Be Grateful
·
Regardless of the cost or the look
or size of the gift, be grateful and say “Thank you” and send a very special
warm handwritten thank you note. Someone
thought enough of you to take the time to make or buy your gift.
Holiday Tipping Guide
·
I found a great tipping site for you. Use it
for any occasion, not only for holidays. ENJOY: http://www.tipguide.org/iPhone/christmastipping.php
So let us be kind and
considerate to others. Practice your patience during this Christmas season.
Tis the Season to Be Jolly
Merry Christmas
The Lost Art of Etiquette and Social Graces
by Angela Jordan on 11/17/12Etiquette-- is it the missing ingredient in today's society? Is it the answer for bringing civility back into our homes, schools, churches, workplaces and communities?
As a former classroom teacher I have watched the climate of civility decrease among many of the children in our schools and communities. Simple expressions of politeness seem to have faded away. "Yes" and "no" have become "yeah" and "nope"; "thank you's", "you're welcome" are unexpressed; "please" has become "I' mma need you to..."; "eye contact" has been replaced by"eye rolling"; "excuse me" has become "move"; the "hand shake" is now a "fist bump or pounds"; "hello" has become "what's up"; and pants that used to ride around the waist are now riding below the waist. What is wrong with this generation?
Many children are being influenced by media expressed negativity. Television, the internet, and music are taking over the mindsets of many children. The media and new technologies have become babysitters for children whose parents are consumed with activities and work schedules that rob them of time that should be used providing guidance and love.
During my childhood, dinner time was "family time", a time for sharing and discussions about daily activities and concerns, and a time for giving accolades to encourage self-esteem. It was also a time for learning lessons of etiquette. I lived in a home with three sisters and two brothers. I can recall how my parents expected the six of us to utilize good manners in every aspect of our lives. It was never an option; it was a given. They taught and modeled for us the basic rules of etiquette. Oh yes, manners start at home. My parents, Sidney and Lillian, taught etiquette with discipline and respect and they partnered their teaching with the golden rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Are we instilling in our children the aspects of honor and dignity? Are we teaching them to respect not only themselves, but others as well? A major mission for today's parents should be to equip our children with the necessary skills that instill poise, confidence, respect, and responsibility. The goal is to help them become productive citizens who are capable of becoming refined leaders for tomorrow.
Using proper etiquette has the power to open many doors of opportunity. Let's put civility back in its proper place and enhance our children's future.
"Be the change that you wish to see in the world" -- Ghandi
Great Tips on How to Be a Great Host/Hostess and Guest on Thanksgiving
by Angela Jordan on 11/17/12
Host/Hostess Duties:
Tip 1:
Find out ahead of time if any of your guests have food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Tip 2:
Make a list of the things you will need to make your meal complete.
Tip 3:
Inform your guests of dress code: casual, semi-formal or formal.
Tip 4:
Have a variety of beverages on hand.
Tip 5:
Give your guests the red carpet treatment. Be at the door to greet them.
Tip 6:
Be helpful to your guests. Take their coats, sweaters, etc.and tell them where to go.
Tip 7:
Circulate among all your guests. Introduce your guests to family members and to the other guests. Stay with them long enough to get a conversation going.
Tip 8:
Show appreciation. Thank your family and friends for coming and tell them how much you enjoy spending time with them. Thank them for gifts, contributions to the meal and helping clean up.
Tip 9:
As guests start to leave, help locate their coats and other personal belongings. Escort each departing guest to the front door and shake hands or hug. Once again thank them for coming.
Guest Duties:
Tip 1:
RSVP - "Please reply." Let your host/hostess know if you can come or not. Note: Check your calendar carefully before you reply. Changing "yes" to a "no" is only acceptable if it is an uncontrollable circumstance.
Tip 2:
Invitations are extended to the people the host/hostess want to invite. If it doesn't say children, pets, etc. leave them at home. Only when your invitation says "and guest" may you bring a guest. If you have a guest visiting you,
and you don't want to leave them behind, you must discuss with your host/hostess ahead of time.
Tip 3:
Offer to contribute to the meal.
Tip 4:
Arrive on time. Never show up too early. If you are going to be more than fifteen minutes late, call to inform host/hostess.
Tip 5:
Be respectful. Wipe your feet and remove your shoes when entering home, unless directed to do otherwise.
Tip 6:
Be complimentary. Compliment home, decorations, food, etc. Be gracious and sincere.
Tip 7:
Conversations should be pleasant. No controversial and family issue subjects. Keep a happy mood.
Tip 8:
Don't overindulge. Eat moderately.
Tip 9:
Offer to help and clean-up.
Tip 10:
Leave on time. Be mindful of the time on the invitation.
Tip 11:
Thank the host/hostess as you leave. Follow-up with a hand-written thank you note.
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving. Remember your Dining Etiquette and enjoy your family and friends.
