Believe it or not etiquette wasn't created to confuse or frustrate people. Global etiquette has three principles: consideration, respect, and honesty when dealing with people.
While traditions around the world vary and change with times, here are 5 social etiquette tips that will be helpful anywhere you go.
1. Greet People
We all remember to greet the "important people" like our bosses, friends, parents, etc but how many of us greet the doorman, the taxi driver, the shopkeeper or just people when we step into an elevator?! Good etiquette is about respect and extending some courtesy to the people we interact with on a daily basis. So remember to say "Good Morning" or "Namaste" to your Uber driver tomorrow- he's a person too.
2. Always Say Please & Thank You
"Please" and "thank you" are simple words, and yet most people don't use them enough. These 2 words go a long way in conveying that you value a person's help and effort. So next time someone does you a favour or you need some help, remember these magic words.
3. Be on Time
We all have those friends (or we are those people) who are running perpetually late. And nothing is more annoying to those who are waiting. We all have busy schedules and traffic is always an issue so there really is no excuse. Being late sends the message that you are disorganised, lazy or simply don't care - not the message you want to send out..
And if you rare running late, call up to inform those who are waiting and apologise.
4. Bring a Gift for the Host
As a guest in someone's home, never show up empty handed. It doesn't have to be expensive just something your host would like. When someone invites you to their home they are spending time and effort and bringing a host gift shows that you appreciate their effort.
My top choices are a bottle of wine, flowers for the hostess, homemade chocolates, aromatherapy diffusers or candles. Don't bring a dessert or dish that needs to be served immediately as it might not fit into the menu planned and can be considered as an imposition. Also do not bring an additional person without asking the host first.
5. Put Away the Phone
This is the most ignored rule of etiquette.
Constantly checking your phone at the dinner table or at a social gathering sends the message that the person on your phone is more important than those right in front of you - and that is just downright disrespectful.
Ideally you shouldn't even glance at your screen when talking to someone at a party or over a meal. If you are expecting an important call or text, explain the situation, check your phone as sparingly as possible and excuse yourself, step away to take the call.