When it comes to socializing with other people, there are unwritten rules we need to observe. Those rules dictate how we should and shouldnโt behave and how we should and shouldnโt handle things. Unfortunately, not everyone is capable of following the rules to a tee. As a result, people get offended and relationships get hurt.
To make sure none of those things happen to you, here are the most common etiquette rules people break and how you should observe them.
1. When youโre at the airport
Do: Stay in your lane.
Donโt: Avoid skipping the line or butting in because that will just make you piss off everyone behind you. Plus, it wonโt get you anywhere. Even if youโre in a rush, the plane wonโt leave until everyoneโs inside the plane.
2. When youโre in a flight
Do: Be respectful of the person sitting in front of you. Whether youโre simply trying to lower your tray table or youโre trying to get out of your seat, they can feel youโre every move.
Donโt: You donโt use other peopleโs headrest as leverage when getting out of your seat. You shouldnโt put your feet up as well.
3. When dining in a fancy restaurant
Do: When you are going somewhere fancy, make sure youโre wearing the right attire.
Donโt: Avoid wearing your favorite tennis shoes and jeans for the night.
4. When being seated at a restaurant
Do: Wait for your turn. Restaurants have policies and that includes politely waiting for the rest of your party to come before getting seated. If you donโt like waiting, set your dinner at an earlier time.
Donโt: Avoid getting mad at the staff for making you wait for your turn
5. About your phone
Do: Keep your phone away from the table. The same goes for your keys.
Donโt: Avoid placing your phone on the table, particularly when youโre eating
6. When you need something from the waiter
Do: Establish eye contact so you can silently signal him that you need something. If that doesnโt work, then you can raise your hand towards his direction.
Donโt: Avoid yelling just to get the waiterโs attention.
7. When holding wineglasses
Do: Hold the glass by the stem.
Donโt: Avoid putting your entire hand on the glass when holding it. And if you donโt want any wine, simply place your hand over it.
8. When ordering food at a restaurant
Do: If youโre hosting the dinner, encourage your guest to order first. You need to make it clear to the waiter to avoid confusion.
Donโt: Avoid deciding what your guests will have.
9. When settling the bill
Do: If youโll be paying for the entire meal, you can give your credit card to the waiter ahead of time. In case youโll be splitting the bill with your friends, decide how youโll do it even before the waiter asks.
Donโt: It not proper to ask your guests to pay. Generally, the person who invites should be the one to pay.
10. When ordering wine
Do: Since a bottle has been opened for you, itโs only right that you keep it even if you donโt find the taste great. The only time you can return a bottle is when thereโs really a problem with it.
Donโt: Never return a wine bottle just because it doesnโt satisfy your preference.
11. When you want to taste another personโs food
Do: If youโre eating with someone youโre not really close to, such as a client, avoid sharing food. In case youโre dining with a close friend, simply pass your bread plate so that he can put a sample of his food on it.
Donโt: Donโt reach across the table just to take a sample of the other personโs food.
12. About the napkin
Do: The napkin is generally used for blotting the area around your mouth. Now, if you need to blow your nose, youโll need to excuse yourself and find the nearest bathroom.
Donโt: Avoid using the napkin as your tissue.
13. When youโre in another personโs car
Do: Sit properly and wear your seatbelt.
Donโt: Never put your feet on the dashboard. This is both dangerous and gross. If you really need to put your feet up, stay at home so you can enjoy your living room sofa.
14. When picking a song while traveling
Do: Let the driver pick his tune. Since heโs doing the work behind the wheels, let him have the final say on what music to play while youโre on the road.
Donโt: Donโt take it personally when the driver doesnโt play any of your songs.
15. Where to sit in a car
Do: Sit beside the driver if thereโs only the two of you in the car.
Donโt: As much as possible, donโt leave your friend alone in front. Moreover, donโt let him feel like youโre treating him like a chauffeur.
16. About the glove box
Do: Keep your hands to yourself.
Donโt: Unless youโre specifically asked to open it and look for something, resist the urge to get your hands on other peopleโs property and space. Donโt intrude.
17. About your trash
Do: Take your trash with you if youโre riding in another personโs car. If possible, recycle.
Donโt: Donโt leave rubbish in someone elseโs car. Itโs like messing around his property. Donโt throw out your garbage on the streets, too.
18. When you need to borrow something
Do: Ask before you borrow anything.
Donโt: Donโt just grab things whenever you like. Sharing a room with another person doesnโt give you permission to use any of his things.
19. About your noise
Do: Be mindful of your volume and the noise you create. If possible, wear headphones if you need to listen to something.
Donโt: Avoid playing loud music, particularly when youโre with someone who needs to sleep or study.
20. About sharing food
Do: Buy your own food.
Donโt: Avoid touching your roommateโs food. Always buy your own unless youโve agreed to share groceries.
21. About your dues
Do: Thereโs no negotiating over this. Always pay your part of the utilities and rent in full.
Donโt: Never be late with your payment.
22. About wrapping leftovers
Do: Itโs fine to ask for leftovers to be wrapped when youโre having dinner with family and friends. If youโre doing business over dinner, itโs best to just leave it.
Donโt: When youโre at a business dinner, donโt ask for the leftovers.
23. About invitations
Do: Responding doesnโt take a lot of time so try to do it as soon as you can. That way, the hosts will be able to move on with their guest list.
Donโt: Avoid making hosts wait for your response.
24. When passing salt and pepper
Do: Always pass the salt with the pepper.
Donโt: Donโt leave the pepper when someone asks for the salt.
25. When youโre in the gym
Do: Always clean up after yourself in the gym. Wiping down equipment before and after you use it helps prevent the spread of bacteria. Itโs also a sign of respect to the next person whoโll be using it.
Donโt: Never forget to wipe down a piece of equipment after use, particularly if it has your sweat all over it.
26. When you need to talk about important things
Do: Itโs better if you can talk about important things through a face-to-face conversation. This helps prevent misunderstandings.
Donโt: Avoid discussing important things over the phone or through texts and email.
27. When leaving voicemails
Do: Try to keep your message short and concise. Simply mention who you are, why you are calling and politely say goodbye.
Donโt: Avoid leaving really long messages that might just confuse the receiver.
28. When looking at someoneโs photo on his phone
Do: Simply look at what you are shown.
Donโt: Avoid swiping left and right to see the rest of the album.
29. When youโre on social media
Do: Only share whatโs necessary. Think before you post something.
Donโt: Avoid telling everyone on your list what you are doing, where you are going, and what youโll be doing next. Thereโs no need to share too much information when you are on social media.
30. When youโre riding escalators
Do: Simply stay on one side. This is to allow other people to pass through.
Donโt: Avoid blocking other peopleโs way.
31. When talking to someone over the phone
Do: Let the other person talk or respond.
Donโt: Avoid holding the other person hostage in your long stories.
32. About your perfume
Do: Only use a small amount of your perfume. 2 to 3 drops should be enough to leave you smelling good for hours.
Donโt: Avoid spraying too much perfume, particularly if you are with people who have allergies.
33. When having a drink
Do: Simply drink from your glasses.
Donโt: Avoid clinking your glasses when youโre having a toast.
34. About your phone at work
Do: Always keep your phone in silent mode when you are working.
Donโt: Avoid leaving your phone on your desk without turning it off or putting it in silent mode.
35. When youโre sick
Do: Take a break and stay at home until youโve fully recovered.
Donโt: Avoid going to work when youโre sick, particularly if itโs contagious.
36. When youโre in the playground
Do: Share toys with other kids.
Donโt: Avoid playing with a certain toy for too long.
37. When speaking to someone
Do: Remove your earbuds and sunglasses as a sign of respect.
Donโt: Never let people think you are not interested in having a conversation with them. having your earbuds and sunglasses on is just rude when youโre talking to someone.
38. When youโre going to a party
Do: Remember to bring wine or dessert. Flowers may work, too.
Donโt: Never show up empty-handed.
39. When you need to go to the next floor
Do: Take the stairs if you will only need to go one or two floors up.
Donโt: Avoid causing inconvenience to anyone if youโre in a rush to get to the next floor. Taking the stairs would be faster than rushing to use the elevator.
40. When you need to retouch your makeup
Do: Find a restroom or do it in your car before going out and walking into a building or office.
Donโt: Avoid doing your makeup in public.
41. When youโre outside with your dog
Do: Always clean up after your dog, no matter where you go.
Donโt: Avoid leaving your dogโs poop anywhere. Itโs just gross.
42. When you need to change your babyโs diaper
Do: Ask people where you can do the dirty work, particularly if you are in someone elseโs house.
Donโt: Avoid changing diapers in areas where you know the homeowners eat, cook or prepare food.
43. When you are talking to someone with an accent
Do: Act natural.
Donโt: Avoid asking people where they are from just because of their accent.
44. When thereโs a bad connection and youโre on the phone
Do: Patiently wait for the connection to get better.
Donโt: Avoid cursing or yelling into the phone when you canโt hear what the person on the other end is saying.
45. When youโre meeting with someone
Do: Show up on time. Itโs a good way to show how you value the other personโs time.
Donโt: Never make other people wait for you.
46. About toilet papers
Do: When you run out of toilet paper, remember to take the cardboard tube out so you can replace it with a new roll.
Donโt: Avoid putting several rolls of toilet paper on top of the holder. More importantly, never forget to buy new rolls of toilet paper.
47. When visiting someone
Do: Remember to call first before actually paying someone a visit.
Donโt: Avoid dropping by someoneโs house unannounced. You might end up surprising her and not in a good way.
48. When youโre on a date
Do: Pay attention to the person you are with.
Donโt: Avoid texting or using your phone when youโre on a date. Itโs best if you can just put away your phone the entire time.
49. When youโre in a cinema or concert hall
Do: Move to your seat while facing those who are sitting. As much as possible, men go first.
Donโt: Avoid moving to your seat with your backside facing those sitting. Avoid moving too slowly as well.
50. When youโve been invited to a party
Do: Ask how many friends you can take with you.
Donโt: Avoid taking people to someoneโs party without asking permission first.
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