The new etiquette – How to act appropriately
How to be social (or not). From table manners to dress codes, our new etiquette rules will surely increase your confidence and help you navigate any (awkward) social situation.
This mini guide of new etiquette rules will provide you with the essential tools to make a great impression and avoid any social faux pas. Embrace these practical tips to smooth over awkward moments and interact with ease, ensuring you leave a positive and lasting impression wherever you go.
The new etiquette rules for social dilemmas
Let’s start this new etiquette session with staying sober at kids’ parties. Limit yourself to two drinks and stick to the house rules for shoes in general. Buy some nice socks for home visits—you’ll get to show them off.
When dining in, always buy at least one course; don’t expect everyone to cook three. Split bills simply when eating out—don’t complicate it. If friends don’t cooperate, find new ones.
With your dog, handle park etiquette by letting the dogs sniff without making small talk. Walk away when they separate.
Avoid obstructing others by being glued to your phone. Men should move out of women’s way, while in the new etiquette women should avoid grooming that involves flying DNA in public. If you’re sick, keep it to yourself and don’t go to work. Be considerate of your partner’s needs around periods and menopause, and avoid suggesting miracle cures.
On public transport, don’t reserve seats with bags or sit too close to someone if there are other seats. Always check if someone standing needs your seat more than you.
The new etiquette rules for digital dilemmas
Handling digital dilemmas can be tricky. Instead of dramatically leaving a WhatsApp group, simply archive it and let the group continue chatting while you’re free.
On social media, avoid boasting about personal connections in a way that seems awkward or showy. Be prompt in liking friends’ vulnerable posts; waiting too long can seem passive-aggressive. Avoid sending long texts out of the blue, especially if you haven’t been in touch recently. Start with a simple “Hi!” and then engage in a conversation.
Never gossip or share secrets via email or text is the new etiquette, as there’s a risk they could be screenshotted and seen by others. Stick to voice notes or private conversations instead.
The new etiquette rules for (possible) relationships
In dating and sex, the new etiquette rule is to avoid checking your phone until both are out of bed. If ending a relationship, give your ex space and avoid showing up where they’ll be.
In a serious relationship, be prepared to rewatch episodes of a show you’ve seen alone. If things aren’t working out, choose an appropriate time to break up. It’s okay to delay if circumstances make it difficult, but set a time limit to avoid procrastinating.
During family time, don’t yell at kids who aren’t yours, but it’s fine to correct them if you know them well. Stay neutral and avoid bad-mouthing others’ family or partners. For apologies follow this new etiquette: Text for minor oversights, call for offenses, and write a card for serious wrongs. Avoid vague apologies and if your apology isn’t accepted immediately, make amends.
When someone shares a problem, listen first before offering your own experiences. Show empathy without overshadowing their story. Be a good neighbor without needing to be friends. Greet them, avoid making noise at odd hours, and occasionally help with tasks like taking in their bins.
The new etiquette rules at work
When discussing salaries, the new etiquette is to be open about what you earn to help address pay gaps. If you’re curious about someone else’s salary, ask politely.
On Zoom, if you need to check your appearance, be upfront about it. Feel free to adjust your look without pretense—it’s more honest.
If you have trouble pronouncing a colleague’s name, make an effort to learn and use it correctly, rather than using a nickname or avoiding the issue. A little embarrassment is better than causing ongoing frustration.
As an important new etiquette canteen rule, always reset the shared microwave to zero instead of leaving random seconds on the display. It’s more considerate.
The new etiquette rules at parties
At a party, it’s fine to ask someone’s name as many times as needed, and don’t take offense if asked repeatedly. It shows interest, so listen when they introduce themselves, and introduce yourself frequently and early.
For wedding gifts, cash is preferred. Contribute roughly what you spent on the day, plus a bit more depending on your relationship with the couple. If they attended your wedding, give at least as much as they gave you.
Feel free to dance, but don’t force someone onto the dancefloor if they’re avoiding it. Another important new etiquette rule is to apply perfume sparingly—one spray, then walk away. Air kisses are back, so use them instead of real kisses in social settings to avoid makeup smudges or germs.
Lastly, as the final new etiquette rule, we mention that when it’s finally time to leave the party, do so without fanfare. Notify one person to inform others of your departure shortly after you leave. Thank you for your excellent behavior and for being so considerate!
