We’ve all heard it before: when your parents were kids, the world was a different place.  Youngsters respected their elders, loud music was not to be tolerated, and dinner time was an event, not a hurried feeding frenzy lasting only three minutes.  So the times have changed.  But recently, it seems like the old way of doing things – i.e. propriety and manners – is becoming fashionable once again.  Sure, we all still enjoy going out and getting dirty, but there is also a new interest in behaving like little grown ups – which means that etiquette is making a comeback. 

A detailed code of conduct was drafted by nobles out of sheer boredom. The list of etiquette stated what was to be accepted as respectable social behavior. Can you imagine learning that it is polite to remain “silent until spoken to”? How about staying seated until a guy comes around to open the car door? Do you want to bow (males) or curtsy (females) every time you meet someone?

Today, etiquette is about being respectful and considerate of others. Although most people don’t get a formal lesson on good manners, you learn that it’s polite to say “please” and “thank you” or appropriate to make eye contact and offer a firm handshake when being introduced to someone. In the movie Pretty Woman Julia Roberts didn’t only want to look the part as a dinner guest of Richard Gere, she also needed to learn the proper silverware to use. Proper etiquette makes social situations more comfortable. But don’t worry if the escargot flies across the room – accidents happen. Laugh it off and continue being the charming dinner guest that you are. Nobody’s perfect but you can strive to be well-mannered.