etiquette manners
Julie Hambleton
Julie Hambleton
August 4, 2023 ·  6 min read

25 Rules Of Etiquette To Know

To this day, etiquette is unavoidable, it is a part of our everyday lives. Many of the basic etiquette rules are based on morals and keen judgment of social situations. According to Binghampton University etiquette is ‘practicing good manners, knowing how to behave in a given situation, knowing how to interact with people’.

Why you should follow these rules of etiquette

Wooden blocks with words 'Etiquette Rules'.
Credit: Shutterstock

Amy Vanderbilt says that “It is axiomatic that as we mature and grow in years and experience, we must be able to meet more demanding social situations with confidence and ease.” Through learning about etiquette, we will be able to do so. Below is a list of 25 etiquette examples everyone should, in general, live by.

Read More: 16 Parenting Rules To Love Your Child in The Way They Deserve

How to RSVP

Speech bubble with rsvp message
Credit: Shutterstock

Make sure you RSVP with your host or hostess so that they know how many people to be expecting. The hardest thing about trying to organize a party or get to gather is not knowing how many people are actually going to show up. We all know how annoying it is when friends or family don’t RSVP but then show up anyways.

Warning Signs

Man sending text message and sms with smartphone. Guy texting and using mobile phone late at night in dark. Communication or sexting concept. Finger typing with cellphone keyboard. Light from screen.
Credit: Shutterstock

This is, to me, one of the more important rules of etiquette. Always warn a person who you may not be close with before showing up to their house. Whether it’s dropping them a text or giving them a ring, a little can go a long way.

Punctuality

Beautiful blonde young woman wearing business clothes in hurry pointing to watch time, impatience, looking at the camera with relaxed expression
Credit: Shutterstock

Being on time is highly important in both your professional and social life. If you run late for a meeting or a social occasion, you run the risk of upsetting the people you’re meant to be meeting or missing out on something important. I’ve even had to resort to telling one friend we are meeting half an hour earlier than we actually are each time so that she doesn’t arrive late!

Introductions

Happy african American young woman in glasses stretch hand for handshake greeting introducing to someone, smiling black biracial millennial female hr agent in spectacles get acquainted at meeting
Credit: Shutterstock

One of the classic rules of etiquette! Always introduce the person you are with to people you may run into at random. Or if you are with people who may not remember your name, take a step forward and introduce yourself. Confidence is key!

When Entering a Room

Portrait of cheerful couple inviting guests to enter home, happy young guy and lady standing in doorway of modern flat, looking out, man shaking hands, meeting new neighbors or friends
Credit: Shutterstock

If you are the person entering the room, then you are the person to greet everyone. Don’t turn up and sulk in a corner expecting people to notice you have arrived.

Read More: 9 Warning Signs Someone May Be A High-Functioning Alcoholic

The Distraction of Your Cell Phone

Distracted over dinner. Shot of a young couple texting on their phones while out for dinner.
Credit: Shutterstock

Try not to have your cell phone in sight when you are engaging in a social setting. It is distracting and looks like you are not interested in the person or people you are with but rather has your mind on other things- as well as having many unwanted side effects!

Say It In Person

Sideways young two friends smiling happy cheerful fun cool men 20s wear white casual shirts talk speak together isolated plain dark royal navy blue background studio portrait People lifestyle concept
Credit: Shutterstock

Avoid talking to someone on the phone; if there is something important you need to discuss it’s better off doing it in person.

Thank You Notes

Overhead Shot Looking Down On Woman Writing In Generic Thank You Card
Credit: Shutterstock

Always reply to a present, no matter how small, with a thank you note. Whether it is a post-it note on the fridge or a quick text to you mom, a thank you goes a long way; it shows that you are grateful for what you’ve received.

Avoid Rudeness!

Portrait angry young woman screaming on mobile phone isolated on gray wall background. Negative human emotions feelings
Credit: Shutterstock

Don’t reply to rudeness with like-for-like. People who are rude to you should not be entertained so don’t shout back! As much as you want to give that person a piece of your mind, sinking to their level is always worse.

Read More: The standard American diet is deadly. Here are 7 ideas to start eating healthier

 The Dinner Table

Smiling woman talking with friends sitting at dining tablet at home. Group of people having great time at dinner party.
Credit: Shutterstock

Make sure you do not start eating until your host or hostess has picked up their fork, spoon or knife. Obviously, you might not do this at home watching TV with your family. However, it is a good idea to make sure everyone is prepared for all situations. Also take note of cutlery- always start from the outside in.

Don’t go snooping!

Cropped view of woman in white shirt holding smarphone in hand. A woman sits on a couch with phones in her hand and looks through the news feed.
Credit: Shutterstock

One of the vital rules of etiquette to follow. Your family or friends deserve your trust and respect when it comes to their privacy. Don’t go looking through their pockets or phone to find anything they may be hiding as it may bring that person to resent you.

Pay Politely

Young attractive man in casual clothes is smiling, holding a bottle of beer and making order while sitting at bar counter in pub
Credit: Shutterstock

When ordering something from a bar, barista or approaching the checkout in the shop- put your phone away. Anyone working in hospitality will know the feeling of waiting for someone to finish their conversation before talking to you. It’s horrible!

Unwanted Lending

Money from hand in business suit to another hand,Man in business suit pay or give money for something,Close-up Of Person Hand Giving Money To Other Hand, hand to hand money pass
Credit: Shutterstock

Do not lend someone something unless they have asked you for it!  It makes them feel guilty if they don’t use it and will probably encourage them to ignore your texts or calls in case you bring it up.

Read More: How To Shape And Tone Your Butt In Just 3 Weeks

The Importance Of the Handshake

Business partnership meeting concept. Image businessmans handshake. Successful businessmen handshaking after good deal. Horizontal, blurred background
Credit: Shutterstock

Your handshake is usually the first thing people will judge you on. Too limp and they’ll think you a push over but too hard, and they’ll never want to lock hands with you again. Discover how to do the perfect handshake in the video below.

Fashion Faux-Pas

Trendy Woman Wearing a Blue Sweater Buying Warm Clothes Elegant chic fashionista looking for new clothes in a store
Credit: Shutterstock

Remember that being fashionable is always great if it looks good! However, if being in the fashion means you might look worse then just avoid it. Wear something that makes you look and feel great even if it isn’t fashionable. They’re your clothes- your choice.

Keep Secrets

Photo portrait of girl keeping secret put finger near lips showing sign to be silent looking at side wearing formal outfit isolated on blue color background
Credit: Shutterstock

Nine things should be kept secret: age, wealth, family quarrels, religion, medical problems, love affairs, gifts, honor, and disgrace.

Avoid Repeating Arguments

Stressed young married family couple arguing emotionally, blaming lecturing each other, sitting on couch. Depressed husband quarreling with wife, having serious relations communication problems.
Credit: Shutterstock

Ever had an argument with a loved one and then forgiven them or been forgiven only for the subject matter to be brought up once more? We all know how annoying it can be! Once the topic has been forgiven, and the argument resolved; don’t speak of it anymore!

Seize the Day!

Young adult asia people hug cuddle kiss love care for mom taking photo selfie video on mobile phone camera at home picnic dining fun night party dine table. Relax older mum smile enjoy warm time meal.
Credit: Shutterstock

Try to minimize the number of photos or videos you take at social events. No one likes to be around someone who isn’t actually appreciating the moment because they are too busy getting the best photo!

Read More: Record-Breaking 392-Day Fast Transforms Man’s Weight Loss Journey

Keep It Down

Content young woman screaming in loudspeaker making announcement.
Credit: Shutterstock

Try not to talk too loudly as it may intimidate people and not give them a chance to have their own voice listened to. Try and reel it in if you know you can be quite outspoken just to give other people the chance to be heard.

Show Appreciation

Happy couple welcoming guests at the doorstep of their house who are bringing wine and gifts. The focus is on the man embracing one of the guests.
Credit: Shutterstock

Don’t show up to a party empty-handed- bring a small gift to show appreciation for the invite!

Avoid the Internet

Social media profile page in smartphone screen at work. Woman looking at feed, status update or post with mobile phone. Inefficient lazy worker avoiding job. Follow, like or send friend request.
Credit: Shutterstock

Keep personal information and conversations off the public internet! No one wants to hear you whine about your life on Facebook or Twitter.

Read More: A Serving of Greens Every Day Can Slow Brain Aging By More Than 10 Years

Say Thank-You

Close up of happy smiling woman say thank you, holding hands on heart grateful, express gratitude, standing against white background.
Credit: Shutterstock

Always appreciate what family and friends do for you and always show them your appreciation!

Clean Your Shoes

Cleaning white shoes, caring for sneakers. A woman wipes her leather shoes with a wet cloth from dust and dirt.
Credit: Shutterstock


Keep your shoes clean; you will be surprised by how many people judge you on your shoe choices and their cleanliness.

Get Invites Right

Friends, a senior and a young man walking and talking and drinking coffee together in the autumn park.
Credit: Shutterstock

By inviting someone to a restaurant, you are insinuating that you will pay for the meal. However, by merely saying ‘let’s go to this restaurant’ you are hinting at the idea that everyone will pay for their own part. So remember: an invitation is your decision but a gesture is everyone’s agreement.

Close That Mouth!

Man at table appears shocked, mouth agape, possibly reacting to an unexpected event or news
Credit: Shutterstock

Finally, the last one and the one form of etiquette I literally cannot budge on. Chew with your mouth closed! I do not want to see your sushi flying around, and I certainly do NOT want to be hit by flying rice. It’s just uncalled for, so don’t do it.

Having good etiquette is important- no matter who you are or where you live so double-check to make sure you’re putting your best self forward!

Read More: Salma Hayek’s Guide to Aging Gracefully: It’s Not What You Think