Etiquestions

I have been attending many events with my friends, and I have recently noticed that the conversation turns quickly to gossip about other people who are not with us at the event. It always makes me feel a little uncomfortable. I don’t know how to not participate in the gossip without looking judgmental or rude. Do you have any suggestions? I like my group of friends, and I don’t think they mean any real harm. However, I am just not comfortable with all the gossip about others.

I am so glad you asked this question! Talking about others is a very common practice and can be very uncomfortable for many people The old saying goes, “If they are talking about someone else to you, they are likely talking about you to someone else ” The best suggestion I can make is to try to change the conversation to another topic without seeming to be rude Etiquette is all about social graces, and there usually are ways to change the subject without making any one person feel bad about the conversation For example, you may just interject and say something about the outfit one of the friends is wearing, or interrupt to ask for orders for food or drink However, try to change the topic without anyone realizing it was changed

Recently, my family attended a dinner with a new friend at her home. We had a great dinner, but when it came time for dessert, I noticed that there was only one piece of cake left. I didn’t get it since it was the last one, but I thought maybe I should have. What is the general rule for getting the last piece of something?

The general rule is never to eat the last piece of something you did not purchase So, if you bought it, you could eat it But, if you did not buy it, as in this case, not eating it demonstrates awareness and respect for shared resources It is a considerate action to leave the last piece there

I love to eat in all the fantastic restaurants we have in the RGV! Lately, I have noticed that it takes some time for the wait staff to clear my plates away once I finish eating. I end up stacking the plates and moving them myself. Is that ok?

I agree with you; we have some fantastic restaurants in the RGV While some places are still short-staffed and it may take a while for the wait staff to attend to you fully, always remember to let the staff do their jobs Don’t stack or move your plates Patiently wait for someone to do that for you Enjoying a good meal at a nice place is about patience and grace Enjoy the extra time chatting with your friends or family dining with you, and always show appreciation to the wait staff

Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa, Ph.D. is a wife, mother, and educator living in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. She is a graduate of Our Lady of the Lake University with a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies. In addition, she holds an Associate of Arts degree in Education from McLennan Community College, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas – Pan American, and a Master of Arts in Educational Supervision from the University of Texas – Pan American. Dr. Baggerly-Hinojosa’s current research is focused on servant leadership, gender issues in leadership, and leadership communication. www.leadershipempowermentgroup.com