Etiquette is a lot more than table manners. In a world where people tend to react quickly and rudely, wouldn’t it be better to be known for good, polite, and considerate behavior? Especially now, when the world has suffered so much, it is essential to spread kindness and empathy more than ever before.

Let’s make this world a better place by following these ten social etiquettes.

1. Punctuality

It’s common to see people texting very casually that they’ll be 15-20 minutes late. Well, this is not acceptable. It is important to value other people’s time and schedule. So, being punctual is one thing that will never go out of fashion.

2. RSVP

Another forgotten etiquette of modern times is the RSVP. You can’t be more wrong if you think nor RSVPing is a substitute for saying ‘no’ to an invitation. If you can’t attend an event that you’re formally invited to, don’t think that not RSVPing is the same as declining. And don’t RSVP at the last minute for an event that involves real planning by the host.

3. Office Refrigerator Rules

You’d be annoyed if your food or drink goes missing from the office refrigerator, right? So, it is quite necessary to show the same decency to others that you expect for yourself. If your thing isn’t there, then you don’t need to go near the refrigerator at all. Take your leftovers home, give them to someone in need or discard them. They are not meant to be kept in the fridge.  

4. Cell phone Manners

There are certain things to remember when you are using your phone in the presence of other people. If you are at the office, restaurant, a meeting, or even in the park, you need to keep your voice low. It is better to turn off the volume or the cell phone altogether if you are at a meeting or a dinner. Don’t shout on the phone and do not text until it is a matter of life or death.

5. Keep Your Fights Private

These days it is relatively easy to discuss all personal matters on social media for all to witness. However, it is good manners to keep your conversations private. The whole world doesn’t need to know your matters, especially arguments. So, keep social networking sites off-limits for such issues. If you want to create some drama to air your grievances, it is better to do it via SMS.

6. Moderate Phone Cameras

Instead of taking too many photos or making unnecessary videos, enjoy the event with your family, friends, and colleagues. And if you are so enthusiastic about taking pictures, then a special, professionally taken one is a priceless memo to forward to everyone.

7. Keep Your Diet to You

Have you organized a party? That’s great. However, do not impose your dietary requirements on everyone else. If you have been invited to a party, don’t expect the host to cater to your dietary restrictions. Instead, go for something neutral at the party instead of making it everyone’s dilemma.

8. Headphones Don’t Exempt Courtesy

Saying “Thank you” or “Sorry” remain essential parts of social Courtesy. Just because you’re listening to something doesn’t mean you are exempt from offering a gracious apology when you bump into someone or cross their personal space. Just because you’re wearing headphones doesn’t mean you can tune out from social courtesies. For example, if you accidentally cross someone’s personal space, apologize graciously.

9. Avoid Texting on Grim Occasions

People meet, fall in love and fall out of love. That’s quite natural but breaking with someone via a text is entirely unacceptable. The person whom you have been dating for some time deserves a phone call or a face-to-face meeting when you want to break up with them. Although texting has become quite a common practice, if possible, it is best to announce a death in the family by phone.

10. The Classics Still Apply

All the classic lessons of etiquettes still apply. No noise while chewing your food, eating food with your mouth closed, elbows off the table, and washing your hands after a visit to the restroom are basic manners. Saying “excuse me” when you bump into someone or waiting in a queue, giving up seats for pregnant and elderly are all the basic manners that never get old. Next time, hold the door open for the person coming after you, pause the lift doors from closing if you see someone coming, and the list goes on.

All this may seem a little overwhelming, but this is the right way to live. Just remember the basic principle of keeping others’ needs before you, and you will be doing your share to make this world a better place to live in.