by Ginger Philbrick
It’s not all in the books, you know. Sometimes when a manners question comes my way, there is no source that I can find from which to extract a quote. I think that it is assumed the most basic points of etiquette are part of our DNA, such as knowing that when you take cubes from the ice tray, it is only right that you fill up those little spaces you have emptied before returning the tray to the freezer.
Some other examples are:
• Say “excuse me” when having to turn your attention abruptly from a conversation. Not doing so is like a slap in the face to the person with whom you’ve been talking.
• When saying something in unison with others, such as a prayer or pledge, stay with the rhythm of the group. Lagging behind or going ahead can get those within hearing awfully confused as to the proper cadence.
• Unless you are a medical professional or you are asked to help, stand back from a person who is in distress, such as one who has fallen and is already being assisted. An unnecessary group of onlookers adds to the confusion, and often to the embarrassment of the injured one.
• Leave at least two squares of toilet tissue showing in public restroom dispensers. The next person will appreciate it.
• Face the sad reality of emptiness when you have taken the last cookie from the package and toss the package into the trash. Crumbs do not regenerate into cookies in an otherwise vacant container. And hungry people do not generally feel grateful to those who apparently hope they will.
I am confident that you, too, know of important manners tips that don’t make it into print. Please share them with me and I will do my best to see that they get to the public eye. You never know whose life you are making more pleasant by doing so.
Ginger Philbrick is the owner of Because You Are Polite LLC. You are invited to email your manners questions to her and she will respond as time and space allow. You may contact her at youarepolite1@gmail.com.
