We all try to be polite and want to believe that we are doing it much better than that rude lady in line. It is not difficult to notice pronounced rudeness. But there are times when habitual and seemingly harmless actions border on true ignorance, and the right decision is not always obvious.
We have prepared a small guide with rules that will help you reach a new level in the field of good manners.
Throwing chewing gum in the bin
Chewing gum in inappropriate places is a common problem, and studies have shown that it is so difficult to remove from surfaces that in some countries a significant portion of the budget is allocated to cleaning.
Don't leave chewing gum in the toilet or urinal. Sooner or later, someone will have to clean it up, and it's not a pleasant task. It's better to immediately throw the chewing gum in the trash.
Be a good listener
Listening well is a way to show respect. It involves more than just not interrupting the other person. It also involves making eye contact, showing interest in the conversation, remembering all the names, and inviting the person to tell you about themselves.
Give up your seat on public transport
Everyone has heard that you should give up your seat on public transportation. Most often, it is meant that men show courtesy towards young girls and elderly ladies.
However, if an older man is standing, he has priority. Therefore, you should offer your seat to him first, even if there is a young woman standing next to you. Women can also give up their seat to an older man.
As for pregnant women, children, and people with disabilities – there's nothing to say here – they must give way to everyone.
Drink water correctly
When we drink through the neck, saliva, food particles, bacteria and microbes get into the water. They also accumulate around the neck. It is unlikely that anyone would want all this to get into their body. Therefore, it is very unhygienic to pass on to other people a container from which at least one sip was taken. If the bottle is not intended only for you, it is worth using a glass or other personal utensils.
It is also not recommended to take long sips during negotiations, as they can be noisy and distract others.
Take food out of your mouth without attracting attention
If for some reason you need to remove food from your mouth, try to do it in public, but cover yourself with a napkin. If there is no other choice, then remove the food in the same way that you put it in:
- Food that has been put into your mouth using cutlery is extracted by the appliances.
- The remains of a dish eaten with the hands are removed with the hands (for example, bones).
You can try someone else's food
To taste your companion's dish, you can hand them your fork, and they will then return it to you with a cut piece. If you are sitting next to them, it is acceptable to move your plate so that your neighbor places a piece of food on the edge of the plate.
Admit it if you can't pay your bill.
When paying the bill in a cafe, you can also get into trouble. If your card does not have enough funds or payment by card is not possible, and you did not bring cash with you, you can get out of the situation as follows:
- Warn the waiter that you need to go to the ATM and withdraw money.
- Explain the situation to those at the table, asking them to pay your bill. In this case, you must pay your friends within 24 hours.
Pick up leftovers
It is acceptable to take some of the food left in the cafe with you. You can ask for a special food bag or container or bring it with you in advance. The exception is a date and a business lunch or dinner. In such situations, taking some of the food away is not accepted.
In the case of a business meeting, it is recommended to order a smaller portion or a dish that is not too filling. If there is still food left, place the fork and knife on the right side of the plate and leave the napkin on your lap until everyone leaves the table.
If something edible is left over when guests visit, it is also not recommended to take it away. Everything you bring is considered a gift to the host, including food. Therefore, taking leftovers is not allowed, even if you brought them yourself. The only exception is the personal request of the host to take something with you, as well as the situation when you came to visit family members or close friends.
Hold the plate while the companion puts the food down
You should hold the plate with the common dish while your neighbor fills his. But if he took the dish from your hands, then he continues to act independently.
Pass the dishes with the handle forward.
Milk jugs and other similar utensils are usually passed with the handle towards the recipient. This makes sense, as your companion needs to pick up the item without dropping it. By making it easier for him, we are being polite.
Ask permission to bring pets
Pets are the most wonderful creatures in the world for every owner. But according to the rules of good manners, in order to bring a small (or large) friend with you to an event, you should first clarify whether this is allowed.
Don't go into the bedroom when visiting.
The bedroom is one of the most personal spaces in the house. If you peek (and even more so enter) there without permission, it can make the hosts uncomfortable, because you will violate their personal boundaries. Well-mannered people, when they are visiting, would never do this.
Do not look in the refrigerator or take food without permission.
A hospitable host will take care of setting the table. If you are hungry, do not look in the refrigerator or kitchen cabinets, and even more so do not take anything from there without permission. This is bad manners. Ask if you can have something to eat, or offer to arrange for food delivery.
Don't put your feet on the furniture.
Of course, it can be very convenient to put your feet up on the sofa or coffee table, but the homeowner may view this as a sign of disrespect. It doesn't matter whether the guest is wearing slippers or socks: putting your feet up on furniture in someone else's home is impolite.
Джерело: ukr.media
