Say “please” if you want something. Say “thank you” if you are given something. Say “no, thank you” if you want to refuse something. If someone gives you a gift, write them a thank you note to express your gratitude.
If you need to leave the dinner table, you may ask, “May I be excused?” If you need to use the restroom, simply say, “Excuse me. I’ll be right back. ” You do not need to tell them where you are going. If your phone rings, say, “Excuse me. I need to take this call. ” When you return, apologize to the other person, and explain that it was important. Only take the call if it is important. It is rude to be on your phone in social settings. [2] X Research source
Eat most of what your host gives you, and at least try everything. If you have an allergy or special diet, try to tell your host as far in advance as possible. Wait for everyone to get their food before you start eating. If you’re visiting someone, you do not start eating until your host begins. At a restaurant, wait until everyone has been served their food. Chew slowly and quietly. Do not slurp noodles or soup. Ask for food to be passed for you. Do not reach over the table. Do not talk with your mouth full. Close your mouth while you eat. [4] X Research source
Offer to help clean up after dinner. Bring a dish to parties and events. Drop off medicine to a sick friend. Drive an elderly family member around on their errands.
Formal events — such as weddings, award ceremonies, and some religious ceremonies —require a nice cocktail dress or gown. Your dress should be at least knee-length, if not longer. Heels or nice flats are required. Business formal (also known as business professional) includes tailored trousers, knee-length skirts, blazers, button-up shirts, and nice blouses. Heels are recommended. These would be worn in a corporate setting. Business casual includes nice khakis, black slacks, button-up shirts, knee-length skirts, and cardigans. You can wear heels or nice ballet flats. This is for a more informal office setting. Casual dress includes jeans, t-shirts, shorts, tank tops, short skirts, and sneakers. This should be worn when doing errands, hanging out with close friends, and during informal outdoor events. [5] X Research source
Make sure to cross your legs or keep them together when wearing a skirt. If you are having trouble correcting your posture, you can do some good core and back exercises. [8] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Remember to show up for events that you signed up for. Be punctual. Arrive at places at the time you said you would. Show up to help out if you said that you could.
Avoid correcting or criticizing others, especially people you do not know or are not close to. They may find this insulting. [9] X Research source It is fine to vent about people now and then. Choose a trusted friend who will not gossip, or tell a family member about what is bothering you. Limit yourself to one or two people whom you trust with your secrets.
Wait until someone apologizes before you tell them that you forgive them. Try to understand their position. You can say something like “I understand where you are coming from. I want you to know that I forgive you, and I don’t hold anything against you. "
If you feel that you are too angry or upset to continue the conversation, it’s okay to say something like, “I can’t have this conversation with you right now. I’m going to take a walk and we can resume this when we’ve both cooled down. "
If you cannot help someone, you can say, “I’m so sorry, but I’m unable to help you with that. Let me know if there is anything I can do in the future. ” If you can’t accept an invitation, you can say, “I’m sorry that I am missing the event. I would have loved to come, but I am busy that day. ” If you are uncomfortable with the request, politely decline and say, “I don’t think it’s a right fit for me” or “I’m not sure that I’m the best person for that task. ”
Be sincere in your apology. A simple “I’m sorry” will work if you have nothing else to say. You can say something like, “I understand why you’re angry. I want you to know how sorry I am. Please let me know how I can make it up to you. " Do not make excuses, although you can offer an explanation if you think there was a misunderstanding.
You can say, “I’m so sorry to hear that. My thoughts are with you and your family. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. I am here for you, even if you just need someone to talk to. ”[11] X Research source You may want to bring flowers to a funeral or donate money to a cause in the deceased’s name. If someone is in the hospital, take time to visit them. Send a card to them afterwards to let them know that you are thinking of them.
Use an appropriate volume. You do not want to yell while you speak, nor should you be so soft-spoken that the other person cannot hear you. As you speak, try to match the volume of the other person.
Avoid talking about politics and religion. These touchy subjects can cause disagreements between family and friends. [13] X Research source
Nod your head as they speak. Make eye contact. Occasionally repeat back what they said. This shows that you are actually paying attention to them and value what they’re saying. [14] X Research source
If you are having trouble with swearing, try keeping a swear jar where you put a dollar every time you curse. You should either donate this money or save it for an essential purchase.
