logo
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
#384254 02/29/08 11:09 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,398
M o e Offline OP
Tiger
OP Offline
Tiger
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,398
How important is etiquette to you?

How important is Etiquette to you on a daily basis?
single choice
Votes accepted starting: 02/29/08 11:08 PM
Sponsored Post Advertisement
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 22,934
Likes: 4
BellaOnline Editor
Highest Posting Power Known to Humanity
Offline
BellaOnline Editor
Highest Posting Power Known to Humanity
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 22,934
Likes: 4
I said depends - it matters more to me that I treat others fairly, vs for example choosing the right fork smile But it is fun to know which fork to use smile


Lisa Shea, Low Carb and Video Games Editor
Low Carb Forum
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 970
C
Parakeet
Offline
Parakeet
C
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 970
If etiquette consists of treating others with kindness and consideration, then it is very important to me.

Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 66,288
Highest Posting Power Known to Humanity
Offline
Highest Posting Power Known to Humanity
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 66,288
I also said depends! on this or that


Rosie L
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 833
BellaOnline Editor
Parakeet
Offline
BellaOnline Editor
Parakeet
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 833
To me etiquette is very important. It's not just using the right fork, but by acting in any given situation so as not to give offence to anybody.

It astonishes me, however, that in all etiquette guides, they often miss out the most important point of etiquette.

That is to give thanks. If somebody does something for you, then thank them. If they offer to help, and you decline, thank them for offering.

I tend to "expect" gentlement to hold doors for me, let me go first, etc. But I always thank them when they do it, and give them a big smile as well. Perhaps that's why I am so rarely disappointed that they don't do it.

Today, my boss and I went down to the cafe to grab a sandwich for lunch. He let me out of the lift first, then let me get served first in the cafe. Each time, I thanked him. He later told me that I was one of the very few females who did thank him for little gestures like this - and it actually made him enjoy making them for me.

Etiquette is vital - if people thought more about the etiquette of a situation, then perhaps the world would be a pleasanter place. After all - it's hard to abuse somebody when you're trying not to give offence!


Megan McConnell
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 7,189
BellaOnline Editor
Chimpanzee
Offline
BellaOnline Editor
Chimpanzee
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 7,189
I said "very", because I think that etiquette is the epitome of "unselfishness".

Obviously I'm not speaking about just using the correct fork or elbows on the table - but the overall idea of etiquette and making sure others are at ease.

I think etiquette over the years has turned into this thing of showing off how "better" someone is, when the original idea was to be considerate and polite to others.


Michelle Taylor
Marriage Editor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 22,934
Likes: 4
BellaOnline Editor
Highest Posting Power Known to Humanity
Offline
BellaOnline Editor
Highest Posting Power Known to Humanity
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 22,934
Likes: 4
I've been watching a lot of regency era movies recently (the Jane Austen series) and a lot of etiquette was about showing who was higher rank. So that would be the type of etiquette I could do without smile It doesn't matter to me who walks into the dining room first smile


Lisa Shea, Low Carb and Video Games Editor
Low Carb Forum
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 17,644
Highest Posting Power Known to Humanity
Offline
Highest Posting Power Known to Humanity
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 17,644
I think it is very important to remember "thank you", "please", "excuse me", etc. Good manners are the basis of etiquette.

When I was in high school, my Home Ecs teacher alwasy told us that when we set the table, we should make sure the sharp edge of the knife should be placed facing the plate on its own setting, otherwise, if the sharp edge is facing your neighbor, it is conceived as a challenge. Has anyone else ever heard this, or do you think that was her own feeling?


Walk in Peace and Harmony.
Phyllis Doyle Burns
Avatar: Fair Helena by Rackham, Public Domain
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 7,189
BellaOnline Editor
Chimpanzee
Offline
BellaOnline Editor
Chimpanzee
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 7,189
(Caterer's daughter here) - that is the original reason the knives were placed so. Then it became common practice, because it was less likely a person might accidentally cut themselves while picking up their knife.

Also, it's just a really easy way for everyone to remember which way thing go, LOL!

When we did place settings (the simple salad fork, dinner fork, spoon, knife) Mom always instructed us to put them inalphabetical order to make it easier to remember. (fors to the left of the plate, knife and spoon to the right) After that, it gets more complicated, and I'd pull out the diagram for our workers to look at, because we would never have tow people set the table the same way! It was either a diagram - or I got to set all the tables myself - not fun when you are talking 500 up to 1000 people for a fundraising benefit!!!

The thing that always drove me nuts was when people would order these extravagant meals requiring 8 differnet utensils, 3 plates, a soup bowl, 3 glasses, and a coffee cup - and the table was only 6 feet across; and they wanted to sit 1o people at it - AUUGGHHHH!


Michelle Taylor
Marriage Editor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 22,934
Likes: 4
BellaOnline Editor
Highest Posting Power Known to Humanity
Offline
BellaOnline Editor
Highest Posting Power Known to Humanity
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 22,934
Likes: 4
Ah but then see you tell them they have to pay for extra waiters because the proper way would be to bring a fresh plate and silverware for each course to go with it, to minimize diner trouble smile


Lisa Shea, Low Carb and Video Games Editor
Low Carb Forum

Moderated by  Decorum-Is-Key Lisa 

Link Copied to Clipboard
Brand New Posts
Make It Sew Easier
by Cheryl - Sewing Editor - 03/27/24 04:34 PM
2024 - on this day in the past ...
by Mona - Astronomy - 03/27/24 01:31 PM
Planner Template Kit - Weekly Layout Template
by Digital Art and Animation - 03/26/24 07:39 PM
Planner Template Kit - Yearly Layout Template
by Digital Art and Animation - 03/26/24 07:37 PM
How to Use Digital Planner Template Kit
by Digital Art and Animation - 03/26/24 07:36 PM
Review - 20 Illustrator Color tips Helen Bradley
by Digital Art and Animation - 03/26/24 07:32 PM
March Equinox to June Solstice
by Mona - Astronomy - 03/26/24 12:27 PM
Hobotrader unleashes never seen opportunity with i
by Jamal molla - 03/26/24 11:55 AM
Psalm for the day
by Angie - 03/25/24 09:05 AM
Genealogy, Sort of
by Angie - 03/24/24 05:39 PM
Sponsor
Safety
We take forum safety very seriously here at BellaOnline. Please be sure to read through our Forum Guidelines. Let us know if you have any questions or comments!
Privacy
This forum uses cookies to ensure smooth navigation from page to page of a thread. If you choose to register and provide your email, that email is solely used to get your password to you and updates on any topics you choose to watch. Nothing else. Ask with any questions!


| About BellaOnline | Privacy Policy | Advertising | Become an Editor |
Website copyright © 2022 Minerva WebWorks LLC. All rights reserved.


Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5