Some people perceive etiquette as a collection of outdated rules for prim people. But in fact, knowing basic etiquette is not so much about self-presentation as it is about comfort for yourself and others. A person who knows how to behave appropriately is able to establish mutually respectful and therefore successful interaction with others in any circumstances. And in such a way that everyone wins.

The best part is that you don't have to learn a whole bunch of rules and put yourself in a box. To become the best version of yourself, it is enough to use just 10 basic recommendations. OBOZREVATEL tells you more about them.

Use the right greetings

When greeting someone, don't forget to smile. It will be appropriate even if you don't know what to say. Just like the words: "Hello! How are you?". When you meet someone for the first time, it is also important to introduce yourself and make eye contact during the handshake.

Say "please" and "thank you"

We've been taught these formulas of politeness since childhood. And for good reason. These are simple words that are still nice to hear in response to a favour or kindness. And the person who uses them will certainly leave a positive impression.

Observe good table manners

No, we're not talking about knowing all the nuances of serving and using a full set of cutlery. It's enough not to chew with your mouth open, not to keep your elbows on the table, to be able to hold a knife and fork correctly and to follow other basic rules. Often, you are not sitting at the table alone, so it is important that everyone feels comfortable while eating. Etiquette is a great help in this.

Watch what you say

Swearing, parasitic words, and a large number of jargon can greatly spoil the impression of a person, especially a stranger. Therefore, try to avoid them, especially when communicating with strangers or unfamiliar people.

Respect personal space

The coronavirus pandemic has taught us how important social distancing is. But it should always be observed. Do not stand too close to people and always ask before touching someone. Breathing directly into the ear of the person in front of you will not make the queue move faster. So give yourself and others some space.

Dress appropriately

Dress appropriately for the occasion and the place, taking into account the dress code and cultural norms, as well as the current weather. If you're not too sure about the event's dress code, remember that it's always better to dress a little more casually than too relaxed. And don't forget to maintain your personal hygiene - brushing your teeth, showering regularly and doing your laundry on time are just as important as a carefully selected wardrobe.

Be a good listener

A polite person not only knows what to say, how to say it and when to say it, but also knows how to listen to what others are saying. Pay attention to what people are saying and show interest in their opinions. Don't interrupt or dominate the conversation. And be sure to respect any point of view - don't rush to correct other people's mistakes or convince others that they are wrong.

Put your phone away

When you're talking to someone, give them your full attention. This means, among other things, hiding your mobile phone and not using it until the end of the conversation. If you are waiting for an important call or message and need to have your gadget at hand, let them know in advance. Don't make the person feel that you are more interested in the phone than they are.

Be understood by others

The art of communication is to express your thoughts in a way that others can understand. Use short sentences with a clear structure, avoid excessive use of terminology, and be clear. Watch your body language - people should not see non-verbal signals of aggression or irritation from you.

Be punctual

Being late all the time shows disrespect for other people's time. So get rid of this habit once and for all. If you still can't arrive on time, be sure to give a warning and apologise.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL talked about 10 new rules of etiquette, without which you cannot be considered a polite modern person.

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