Social etiquette is not just about greeting people with a warm smile. You may know all the soft skills from your personal development book but it is not necessary you follow the right social etiquette.
Have you noticed people back away when you get too close to them? If your answer is yes, you might need to work on some of these tips we’d be stating today. You could start by changing your social habits from the bad ones to the good ones that is, habits that will attract people rather than push them away.
Bad Habits Associated with Eating and Talking
- First, talking with mouth filled with food. It is just rude and a sign that you need to learn table manners. So, whenever you are asked a question while eating, chew your food and then, answer the question.
- Second, don’t rush. If the person really has to hear from you, they’d wait.
- Also, placing your elbows on the dining table. This might seem harmless but, you might hit the plate or the mug. So, it is best that you sit back to enjoy your meal.
- The next one is drinking too much. I am not talking about coffee, tea or water. When you are in a social setting that involves drinking alcohol, avoid over indulgence. Don’t drink too much alcohol because it can cause you say to say things you might regret later.
Bad Manners Associated with Communication
- First, avoid making inappropriate comments. Stop and think before you speak. Even if someone wears a pair of shoe that clashes with their dress, you don’t want to embarrass yourself and the person by making rude comments.
- Avoid, the chronic use of your cell phone. Cell phones are wonderful until they replace your communication. If you exhibit this habit often, make sure you stop it now.
- Reduce the use of sarcasm and insult. Sarcasm is funny to everyone except to the person you are making the comment. If you are too sarcastic, there is a tendency that you will lose your friends.
- Also, avoid talking too loud. The person close to you might not hear or maybe you don’t realise how loud you are. But, you should practice talking softly.
Bad Manners Associated with Behaviour in Public
- First, invading personal space. This means to stand or seat really close to somebody. No matter how close you are to someone in a relationship, you should give them some personal space.
- Second, public display of affection popularly known as PDA. This means when couple show their love in front of others. PDA is so cool, but socially PDA is not very cool because it makes people around you very uncomfortable. So, keep things cool until you are behind closed doors.
- Also, brushing your hair in public places is not so nice. Even if you need to brush hair, don’t do it in the office or the dining room. The best thing is to get up and go to the rest room.
- No one wants to be around those who constantly pick their nose in public places. Avoid doing this.
- Another behaviour is dropping trash on the ground. After you finished your food or your drink, you should look for waste bins to throw the wrapper.
- Furthermore, laughing at other’s bad luck. As funny as it may seem when something bad happens to someone else, I think you should avoid the urge to laugh. Remember, it is not funny to the person that experienced the misfortune.
It might take a while to change bad habits but, you should work on them. Also, don’t justify bad behaviours.
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