Etiquette tips

Tips from "Emily Post's Etiquette" by Peggy Post:

Cellular and portable telephones

It is ludicrous to ask those around you to hush so that you can hear on the telephone when you're standing on the street or are in a restaurant or on a train, considering that a telephone conversation is not an expected part of the gathering or environment.

Public displays of affection

In this country, holding hands, affectionate greetings accompanied by a kiss on the cheek, or a quick hug are perfectly acceptable in public. Passion is not.

Consideration for servers

Only the lowest type of boor is rude or inconsiderate of the people who serve him in restaurants, stores or any public places. It can safely be said that this sort of discourtesy is a sure sign of insecurity. Those who have self-confidence do not need to act in that way in an effort to prove themselves superior. Good manners and thoughtfulness are so much a part of their nature that they treat everyone with whom they come in contact with the same courtesy, whether there is anything to be gained by doing so or not.

Consideration for strangers

Whether on the road or going through a door, respecting the rights and sensitivity of others, even total strangers, is part of what civilized behavior entails. When in the checkout line at the supermarket, unless you are in a raging hurry, it is courteous to let the person behind you who has only three items go ahead of you and your loaded cart.

Dining out

Don't ever put liquid into your mouth if it is already filled with food. You might have a little toast in your mouth when you drink your coffee, but it should be so little as to be undetectable by others.

Tipping

It wasn't long ago that 15 percent of the bill, excluding tax, was considered a generous tip in elegant restaurants. Now the figure is moving toward 20 percent for excellent service. In ordinary family-style restaurants 15 percent is still the norm.

In general, a tip to a taxi driver is about 20 percent of the fare.

Posture

There is no doubt that a person who stands and sits erect looks best. A round-shouldered slouch, with head thrust forward and stomach sticking out, certainly does little to make one appealing.

Graceful standing and walking posture includes the following components: shoulders back, chin in and slightly up, abdomen and stomach in, back straight and knees relaxed. When left to their own devices, arms are relaxed and swing naturally during walking.