Essential etiquette rules to help you escape awkward moments
Whether it’s a social gathering, a professional setting, or even a casual encounter, navigating the seas of human interaction can sometimes lead us into uncharted territories of awkwardness. But fear not, for etiquette serves as our trusty compass, guiding us away from the reefs of awkwardness and into the calm waters of smooth interactions. That’s why, here, we unravel the secrets of some etiquette rules that are not just formalities, but powerful tools to gracefully glide through various social scenarios.
1. Always have a little mirror in your purse
Checking those last details of your look before an important appointment can make a big difference. But having access to a mirror could sometimes be difficult when you’re outside. So, instead of using car windows or any other similar reflection object, keep a small mirror in your purse and master those last minute fixes.
2. The right way to eat fruit in public
Peeling a banana, and eating it as you peel it, is not a good idea if you’re in public. Instead, put the banana on a plate, cut the peel with a knife and cut the fruit in small pieces.
3. Greeting a friend
If you’re a male, greeting a female friend, it’s rude to offer your hand for a handshake, first. Wait for the girl to offer her hand and then greet her.
4. How you should eat soup
When taking the soup from a plate with the spoon, don’t move the spoon from the plate to your body, but from your body to the plate. Then, let it rest horizontally for a second and take it to your mouth.
5. How to get in a car
To properly get in a car, stand next to the open door, then, step into the car with your outside leg first. The other leg should go after.
6. How to add sugar to your tea
The spoon you use to add sugar to your hot drink cup, should not be moved in circles, but from side to side. Also, don’t lick or suck the spoon after you stir. Put it by the side of your cup, on the saucer plate.
7. The meaning of your cutlery position
If you’re at a restaurant, you’ll want to know the meaning that the position in which you leave your cutlery on the plate, means a lot to the waiters.
If the fork and knife rest on your dish, making a triangle, it means you’re taking a pause and will continue eating. When they’re making a cross, they’ll say that you’re ready for another plate and if they rest parallel to each other, diagonally on the plate, it’ll mean you have finished
8. Stepping on a staircase
Making sounds with your heels when you step on a staircase is not appropriate. It is better that you step using just the front of your feet.
9. Correctly eating a dip
Don’t take the dip directly from the bowl it’s served in, but take some with a spoon and put it on your plate. Then, take a chip from the central plate and take the dip you’ve served on your plate with it.
10. How to pick up something
If you happen to drop something on the street while you’re walking, don’t just stop suddenly in the middle of the sidewalk, because someone walking behind you could crash you.
Instead, step aside, leave the central path free and get down to pick up your item.