Good manners are important as they show that you are polite and courteous to others. Having good social etiquette can help you develop better relationships and be a more pleasant person to be around, as it is important to have good table manners to show your respect for those present. Although it doesn't seem like it, etiquette is also required on the internet, and we'll talk a little bit about that below. Come on?
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Having Good Conversation Etiquette
Step 1. Use "please" and "thank you" when asking for things
Whenever you place a request for someone, start with "please". So you don't seem to be demanding anything from the other. When the person does what you asked, respond by thanking them so they know you're grateful.
- For example, you could say "Can I have that book, please?" When the person does, say "Thank you".
- Say "thank you" whenever someone helps you in a small way, such as helping you in a store or taking an order at a restaurant.
- If someone says "thank you" to you, respond with "nothing".
Step 2. Introduce yourself by name when meeting someone for the first time
If you are going to an event with a person you don't know, introduce yourself by name and ask for the other person's name. When you get the answer, repeat the person's name aloud so you don't forget it. Offer a firm handshake, but without exaggerating the strength.
- For example: "Hi, I'm Marcos. What's his name?".
- Each culture and country has its own label for performances, so get to know the customs of your location.
- When you're together and meet someone you know, introduce them if they don't know each other. For example: "Hi Luiz, this is Melissa. Melissa, this is Luiz".
Step 3. Listen to others without interrupting them
When someone else starts talking, look into their eyes and pay attention to what is said to keep the conversation going. Avoid talking over the other person or cutting him off, as this can be considered rude. When the person is finished, respond to what they said to show you were really listening.
If you speak at the same time, stop and ask her to speak first, showing that she values what the other person has to say
Step 4. Avoid bad language
Inappropriate language can be considered rude, especially in conversations in public environments. Do your best to eliminate swear words from your vocabulary. Instead of swearing, look for a more suitable word or take a break to reorganize your thoughts and plan what to say.
- For example, you can say "dove" or "jeez, geez" instead of a worse curse word.
- There are also descriptive adjectives that can replace swear words. For example, instead of "cool f***ing", you can say "very cool".
Tip:
put a rubber band on your wrist and pull it whenever you find yourself cursing or thinking of a curse. So you'll associate pissing with pain and stop using it.
Method 2 of 4: Showing Respect to Others
Step 1. Offer to help others whenever you can
If the request for help is reasonable and won't get in your way, take the time to help people. Whether it's holding an open door or helping someone carry a heavy bag, do your best.
- For example, you might walk up to the person and say, "Want help carrying this?"
- You don't always need to ask if someone needs help. When you see someone coming up behind you, offer to hold the door for them. When you see someone with a very heavy bag on public transport, ask if they want to take your seat.
Step 2. Respect each other's personal space
People don't like to be touched unexpectedly, and this can create an uncomfortable situation. Be careful not to get too close and always watch the person's facial expression and body language to see if it's not bothering them. If she doesn't feel comfortable, give her more space and apologize.
If you accidentally bump into someone, say something like "Excuse me, sorry."
Step 3. Congratulate others on their achievements
It is very important to respect others and recognize their success. If a friend earns something or gets promoted, congratulate them to show you care.
Don't try to make the situation revolve around you. For example, if someone wins a game from you, don't say you made some mistakes. Praise the other without trying to increase your role in their victory
Step 4. Write a thank-you note when someone gives you something
In addition to face-to-face thanks, it's a good idea to send the person a note or letter a few days later. Say how grateful you are for what she has done and reinforce how it affects you. Enclose the note with your signature and a phrase such as "Tender hugs."
For example: "Dear Luana, thank you for the diary you gave me for my birthday. I can't wait to write in it and take it with me every day. Thank you so much. A big hug; Luiz."
Method 3 of 4: Having Good Table Manners
Step 1. Don't leave electronics on the table to avoid being distracted
When eating with other people, don't leave your cell phone on the table. Put it on the muffler and leave it in your pants pocket or purse during your meal. Only answer if it's an emergency.
If you need to answer a message or answer the phone, excuse yourself first and leave the table: "Excuse me, but I need to take this call. I'll be right back."
Step 2. Wait for everyone to help themselves to start eating
Do not eat as soon as you sit at the table, as this is impolite. Be patient and wait for everyone to help themselves and sit down before taking the first mouthful. So everyone can eat at the same time, enjoying the meal together.
This goes both when eating at home and when eating out
Step 3. Hold the cutlery correctly
Hold the knife and fork as you would a pencil. When you need to cut something, use the knife in your right hand and the fork in your left. After cutting, use the fork with either hand and rest the knife on the table.
It is important to use tableware correctly. If you have pairs of forks and knives, always use the end ones first
Step 4. Don't chew with your mouth open
Eating and talking at the same time is considered rude, as no one wants to see the food in your mouth. Take small bites and chew thoroughly before swallowing or speaking. If someone talks to you while you're eating, wait for a swallow to respond.
Cut your food into small pieces so your mouth doesn't get too full and you can chew it easily
Step 5. Ask someone to pass things on to you
No getting up and stretching across the table to get the salt. Look at the person closest to the object you want and ask them to pick it up for you. After receiving the item, thank them politely.
- For example, you could say, "Julia, can I have the butter, please?"
- If you don't have space nearby to lay out the item after using it, ask the person to put it back where it was: "Marcos, can you put the salad bowl back for me? Thanks!"
Step 6. Do not rest your elbows on the table while eating
It's okay to support your arms before and after a meal while you're talking. After picking up the food, however, leave your hands in your lap when you're not using them, so you don't rest your elbows on the table.
Tip:
each culture has different rules of etiquette about elbows on the table. Research the good manners of the region you are in so as not to do anything disrespectful.
Step 7. Cover your mouth if you want to get something out of your teeth
If something gets caught in your teeth, cover your mouth with a napkin or your hands so no one can see. Be discreet when cleaning your teeth, without drawing attention from others. Afterwards, dispose of the dirt with the napkin.
If you can't get the food out of your teeth in a few seconds, excuse yourself and go to the bathroom to solve the problem
Step 8. Excuse the table if you need to get up
If at any time during the meal you need to get up, check the phone or leave, say "Excuse me" before leaving. No need to explain your reasons as long as you're coming back. If you need to leave because of an emergency, it's best to explain briefly what happened.
For example, you can simply say "Excuse me, I'll be right back" when you get up from the table
Method 4 of 4: Being Respectful on the Internet
Step 1. Don't say negative or offensive things on social media
Before posting things on the internet, take a few minutes and see if you would say that in person to someone. If that's not the case, don't post on the networks, or you may sound negative or offensive to others.
- If you prefer, write nervous or negative posts in a text document instead of social media. That way, you can reread it later and see if you really want to post on the internet.
- Talk directly to the person instead of making an offensive status about them. That way you can solve problems directly, without involving others.
Tip:
Many companies check social media before hiring an employee, so don't post anything that could affect your chances of getting a job.
Step 2. Avoid posting photos and tagging others without permission
It can be fun to post an embarrassing photo of a friend and tag them, but you might end up hurting them. Talk directly to the person before posting anything to see if you don't make any mistakes. Submit the photo you'd like to post to let the other know, and if they ask you not to, respect their decision.
- Tagged photos usually appear prominently on the person's profiles. Her friends may see and unnecessarily judge her on account of her publication.
- Think about whether you would like a friend to post a picture of you in a similar situation. You probably wouldn't want this image to be posted online, so put yourself in the other's shoes.
Step 3. Don't share too much personal information on social media
Over-sharing can be in the form of posts with private information or too many posts over the course of the day. Assess whether what you are sharing should really be published before each post.
- Multiple posts a day on networks like Twitter are more accepted than multiple posts on Facebook or LinkedIn.
- Never share personal information such as addresses, phone numbers or passwords as this can compromise your security.
Step 4. Write your posts in concise and cohesive sentences
Whoever decides to write posts without punctuation and only with capital letters seems not to know how to write correctly. Use capital letters, punctuation and accents correctly, without abbreviations. That way, everyone will be able to understand what you want to say in a common tone of voice.
For example, it is better to write "Please read my new post" than "PFVR READ MY NEW POST!!!"
Step 5. Don't send messages or images without prompting
It's tempting to chat or send photos to people you don't know, but be aware that this can create an awkward situation. Use the same ways you would in real life to avoid being considered rude. If you don't know the person, introduce yourself and wait for an answer. If she doesn't respond, let it go. Not everyone will want to talk to you.
Check your profile settings to limit who can message you if you don't want to receive stuff from strangers
Tips
- Treat everyone as you would like to be treated, maintaining respect and friendship.
- Read etiquette books and guides to learn how to behave better in a variety of social situations.
Notices
- Never share personal information on the internet.
- Each country has different modes and etiquette, so always check out what is acceptable in your region.