In The Mix – The 7 Social Slip-Ups

In The Mix

The 7 Social
Slip-Ups…

by Jan Pitts

Are You One Of These People?…

Who shows up at weddings, birthday parties, and graduations frequently without a gift in hand?

This is in the top 10 of Etiquette Breach 101.  The social rule is: if you can’t take a gift, which symbolizes both appreciation for being invited and congratulations to the respective party, you should abstain from going.  Violation of this rule also ensures that your name will be mentioned unfavorably at the end of the evening, the rest of the week, and at the next invitation roundup.

 Who whispers in someone’s ear, in the company of others?

This is only permissible if you’re playing a game.  This act is considered rude and is usually done by someone with little or no social skills. This is considered very impolite and has the potential to make others feel shut out and resentful.

Who shows up at a private party with an uninvited guest without calling ahead to ask the host’s permission? 

This is a serious no-no.  This is a great infringement on someone’s hospitality, and can greatly assist you in getting your name scratched off future invite lists.

 Who invites someone to lunch and then suggests splitting the bill?

This act purely represents a total lack of class.  When you invite someone to lunch, it means you’re treating.  No question about it?  Suggesting lunch is a different thing.

.Who attends a party and eats until you’re so full you can’t move and then asks the host if you can take a plate for later?

One should always wait for the offer to be made to take food out of someone’s home.  It’s an act that indicates poor manners and gluttony.

Who receives birthday cards, gifts, favors, and special considerations and fails to acknowledge them?

The epitome of bad manners is to take for granted someone else’s kindness or thoughtfulness, and not acknowledge their act with a phone call or a thank you in writing.

Who brags about your high-end purchases?  Do you flash your cash?

Keep in mind that classy items or attire only reflect your spending ability or perhaps your theft skills.  They have absolutely no reflection on your character, which strictly determines how much class you have.