1 minute read
Manners Matter
LIFE SKILLS
Manners Matter
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Janis Kliethermes created Etiquette Kansas City in 2007, teaching young children through adults. Married with two daughters, her family unknowingly gives her new material for her etiquette business all the time.
Sby Janis Kliethermes, Contributor
“ tand up straight,” businesses and internaDon’t talk with your tional corporations will mouth full,” “Stop in- often seek help when terrupting your sister the “best and brightest” when she’s speaking”… they hire right out of do these sound famil- college turn up for iar? Whether you believe work and have bad table it or not, your parents manners, or struggle to aren’t just nagging to make conversation. make your life miserable. People are constantly They are helping pre- faced with new etiquette pare you for life beyond challenges, as well. high school. While everyone knows
What once was “com- there is a definite promon sense,” is now “un- tocol when meeting the common sense.” Parents Queen of England, very have become so busy in few of us know the acdaily life that we some- cepted behavior for cell ”“ times forget to encourage the basics of manners and etiquette within our own families. “Etiquette” has been defined by Webster’s dictionary as, “The conduct or procedure required by good breeding or prescribed by authority to be observed in social or official life.” Say what? Good breeding! I don’t think so. Etiquette is simply the rules of acceptable behavior in social and business situations. The problem is that when it comes to good manners, frequently we aren’t even aware of the rules we are breaking. No one is ill mannered on purpose. It is just that many people have not been taught the rules of correct behavior. Local phone use and texting in public. Most of us know to put our napkins on our lap, but do not know the rules for emailing a thank you note. These are the etiquette challenges of 2012. The next time your parents remind you to sit up straight, or to please chew with your mouth closed — instead of rolling your eyes, tell them thank you! n … when it comes to good manners, frequently we aren’t even aware of the rules we are breaking. Stock photo.
