The basic premise of etiquette is to make you, your spouse and others comfortable with one other. It all hinges on respect, consideration and some good old common sense. But you would be amazed at how little some know about the most common everyday things. How well would you score on a courtesy pop quiz? Take a minute with your spouse and see how you both do when it comes to being respectful, not only to each other but also to those around you. Do you think you know more about being proper than your spouse? Print out two quizzes, whip out your number two pencil and see who comes out on top.
1. When dining at a restaurant with your wife, best friend or important client, and your cell phone rings, you should quickly answer it and keep the call brief.
True False
2. When sending a “thank you” note for an inexpensive gift, e-mail is preferable because it is faster and cost-effective.
True False
3. You are a guest in someone’s home and you accidentally break a family heirloom. You apologize and offer to replace the item but the host graciously declines. You let it go because the host didn’t seem too upset.
True False
4. Even if you receive terrible service at a restaurant, it is an appropriate gesture to leave a 10% tip.
True False
5. Nametags go on the right shoulder of your dress or suit.
True False
6. A woman’s purse, if very small, may be placed directly on the dinner table.
True False
7. Food is passed counterclockwise.
True False
8. Turn your coffee cup upside down to signal “no coffee please.”
True False
9. Dining at a restaurant, you or your spouse accidentally drops a fork. You may leave it on the floor (kick it out of the way of traffic) and politely ask your server for another utensil.
True False
10. When “no gifts” is specified on an invitation, it is never in poor taste to bring one anyways.
True False
Answers:
1. (False) You should have the phone on vibrate and ignore the call altogether, or apologize to your guest, take the call away from the table and return to the table in a few minutes.
2. (False) While e-mail is easy and efficient, it is always best to send a handwritten thank you. In a pinch, an e-mail is a good second option, but never for a wedding or graduation gift.
3. (False) Although the host was kind enough to not make you feel uncomfortable, you should make an effort to do something nice like replace the piece with another item or send flowers and a note of apology.
4. (True) It is never okay to “skip” a tip for poor service. Rather, speak to the manager about your dissatisfaction and leave a small tip that would cover other staff involved in your dining experience.
5. (True)
6. (False) A woman’s purse never belongs on the table. Rather, place it on your lap and put a napkin over it to protect it and your clothing.
7. (True)
8. (False) Leave your coffee cup and saucer in place and motion “no thank you” by putting your hand above the cup, not on top of the cup.
9. (True)
10. (False) Bringing a gift when a “no gifts” request has been made is going against the request of the host and puts other guests in an uncomfortable position.
Diane Gottsman
Diane Gottsman, a nationally recognized etiquette expert, is the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in etiquette training for corporations, universities and individuals, striving to polish their interpersonal skills. You can reach Diane at 877-490-1077 or www.dianegottsman.com. You can also follow her on Twitter @: www.twitter.com/DianeGottsman.
