Etiquette: 21 Social Rules to Live By

This archive report was first published on 10 September 2021.

Published on September 10, 2021, these social rules can help you build stronger relationships and avoid awkward situations.

Respect and Kindness ¶

1. Don't call someone more than twice continuously. If they don't pick up your call, presume they have something important to attend to.

1. Return money that you have borrowed even before the person you borrowed remembers or asks for it. It shows your integrity and character.

1. Never order the expensive dish on the menu when someone is giving you a lunch/dinner.

1. Don't ask awkward questions like 'Oh so you aren't married yet?' or 'Don't you have kids.' Let people share their personal information when they're ready.

1. Always open the door for the person coming behind you. It doesn't matter if it's a guy or a girl, senior or junior.

Communication and Empathy ¶

1. If you take a taxi with a friend and he/she pays now, try paying next time.

1. Respect different shades of opinions. Remember what's 6 to you will appear 9 to someone facing you.

1. Never interrupt people talking. Allow them to pour it out.

1. If you tease someone, and they don't seem to enjoy it, stop it and never do it again.

Appreciation and Gratitude ¶

1. Say 'thank you' when someone is helping you.

1. Praise publicly. Criticize privately.

1. There's almost never a reason to comment on someone's weight. Just say, 'You look fantastic.'

Discretion and Respect ¶

1. When someone shows you a photo on their phone, don't swipe left or right.

1. If a colleague tells you they have a doctor's appointment, don't ask what it's for. Just say 'I hope you're okay.'

1. Treat the cleaner with the same respect as the CEO.

Common Sense and Manners ¶

1. If a person is speaking directly to you, staring at your phone is rude!

1. Never give advice until you're asked!

1. When meeting someone after a long time, unless they want to talk about it, don't ask them their age and salary.

1. Mind your business unless anything involves you directly.

1. Remove your sunglasses if you are talking to anyone in the street. It is a sign of respect.

1. Never talk about your riches in the midst of the poor. Similarly, don't talk about your children in the midst of the barren.