What is Etiquette? Is it relevant today?

Etiquette are thoughtful social behaviors that we do to enhance our interactions with others. Having etiquette is not for the rich or the highly intellectual, these are simple demeanors we can all adapt to our lives to enrich ourselves and others. Adapting these kind and mindful gestures come at no cost but, instead, increase the value of every interaction.

What are thought as “old-school” mannerisms are timeless and everlasting principles of mindful living. The philosophy of etiquette is universal and everlasting, whereas manners are ever changing as they adapt to the current time. By becoming more thoughtful and kinder we better our relationships with others and in return we learn to value ourselves. One could even say that etiquette is an artform that takes time to practice and master; learning to be polite, courteous, thoughtful, gracious, and establishing your own respect, dignity and civility comes with dedication to the trade. By acquiring these skills, we gain valuable assets that cost us nothing.

According to the 19^th Edition of Emily Post’s Etiquette: Manners for Today book, there are 3 fundamental principles that establish her etiquette definition, comprising of consideration, respect, and honesty.

To have consideration is to be attentive to your own actions and understand how they impact everyone around you. When we learn to be attentive of our own habits and behaviors, we can adjust to our environment accordingly to contribute the most positive outcome for everyone involved. We can not be truly considerate without respect; when we consider how we impact others by our own actions we show them respect.

There are two components to respect: the recipient and us. Respect is earned by demonstrating the value and honor an individual has, as we emulate the recipient with our actions, words and appearance. It is being respectful to treat them as they treat us. One must consider “the golden rule” -treat others the way you want to be treated- therefore, being inclusive of everyone is a sign of respect. By making the effort to learn about the differences of others we demonstrate a true consideration for who they are as individuals and their value as humans. The other component of respect is oneself, having self-respect is acknowledging our own integrity and character value; we respect ourselves to not permit others to demean our humanity. Remember, respect is not given but earned so it must be an active effort of oneself to portray respectable characteristics. This can be gained by being honest.

Honesty and integrity are jointly understood to be respectable traits in honorable individuals. By being honest we act sincere and truthful, which is a sign that we respect others. Honesty is shown by being our most genuine self – it can be noted that everyone appreciates a truthful person. It’s through truth that we can build relationships and fortify our morals and principles.

Having etiquette is relevant to our lives today, regardless of a formal or informal occasion. The principles we learn teach us to be thoughtful and kinder with those around us. My intention to sharing etiquette tips is to demonstrate our own value and appreciate the value of others by enhancing our social interactions with one another.