Etiquette In Society-Places

Etiquette-places

In stores, hospitals, and places of business.

A good rule is to know where you are, and act accordingly. Such places may have a system of controlling noise; rowdy behavior is usually not tolerated. Make it a point to understand what the places are meant for and you will rarely make a mistake. The following tips will serve as a basis for deportment in public buildings.

Be courteous to salespeople

or to whomever offers help to people in a place of business. Employees want to help you, so do what you can by letting them assist you. If you do not need help (surprisingly enough, you usually do), politely tell the salesperson you are "just looking" or waiting or whatever may account for your presence.

When you are being helped,

be sure to make your wishes clear so there will be no mistake about what you want. Thus there will be no confusion as to choices or selection. The ability to make things clear is a quality you should develop, because all your life you will be called on to make decisions. If you cannot express your wishes, not much can be done to carry them out. You owe the staff the ordinary consideration of making your needs understood.

Make up your mind before buying anything.

By doing so, you will save time and exasperation for both yourself and the sales people. If you make a poor choice and then regret it, so that you are obliged to return the merchandise, that choice has proved a waste of time. Just consider the factors involved in making a purchase: cost, appearance, appropriateness, and then decide whether you really want it. A hurried purchase is usually not as satisfactory as one that requires a little thinking, but avoid wasting time over it. Choose carefully, weigh the pros and cons, but one should not dawdle or loiter; other shoppers want their turn.

Consideration of others in the theater, church, or in group and assembly is urgent

By disturbing others you rob them of enjoyment or interest in the program. Besides, by disturbing others you do yourself harm because you also miss the purpose of the entertainment. Above all, keep control of yourself at all times. Never do or start anything unless you are sure it is correct. If you remember where you are and act accordingly, you will seldom have an etiquette problem.

At a social affair,

be sure to come on time. Punctuality is a good habit and is greatly appreciated. If you are worried that the time is inconvenient, be there early and wait quietly, rather than show up late. By arriving early or on time you are more likely to enjoy the social occasion. Once you enter the assembly hall or theater, take your seat quickly to avoid the confusion often caused by people scrambling for seats at the last minute. In taking a seat promptly you also assure you have a place to sit. While seating and waiting for a program to began, refrain from staring at others. It is a temptation for many people to sit and amuse themselves by turning and gaping at their neighbors. Staring is always a rude pastime. If you are in need of something to do while waiting, study the printed program so you will know the order of things when they begin. Thus you will avoid further confusion because you will not need to refer back to the program so often. Often pre-program conversations become noisy, due to excitement and anticipation. Do your best to keep noise to a minimum while awaiting a performance.

If you must be late,

and the performance has already begun,you should enter quietly. You can readily understand why: a quiet entrance calls less attention to yourself and will not disturb the audience so much as a loud entrance that causes whispers, giggles, or even laughter. A late arrival makes it difficult to find a seat, unless it is reserved. Quietly ask the usher for help; he is there for that purpose. Passing over others to reach a seat is not really awkward unless you should unthinkingly stumble over someone's feet. Do it quietly by not giggling, speaking only to murmur "Excuse me" or "Thank-you" once you are safely seated. Observe the same procedure if you find you must leave your seat during the performance. Solve any problems in an orderly manner. This rule is a basic one on which courtesy is built. It may be that someone is occupying your seat. Inform him politely; if this does no good, find an usher to help. Hold on to your ticket stub until you find your seat. It is wise to keep it until the show ends. If the problem provides no other solution then to move to another seat, then do so. Nothing is so important you must disturb others. Of course, if you ever find yourself in such a situation, the polite thing to do is move. Confusion rarely helps, and avoiding it puts you on a higher plane of courtesy then the troublemaker. At the inter mission you can straighten out the difficulty, or drop the matter.

Talking, whispering, or singing during a performance is to be deplored.

It is a temptation to read the credits aloud, especially to those younger then you. Ask your companions to hold all comments and questions until the end of the program or at least until the inter-mission. The same rule goes for you -- communicate with others only in an emergency. Often any questions you may have are answered during the program.

If you must leave your seat during the performance,

take your belongings with you, unless you can entrust them to someone. The theater (or wherever you are) is not responsible for lost articles, so take good care of them. If you remember that carelessness may lead to loss, you will not have to complain of theft. Also, when someone entrust his things to you, be just as careful with them as if they were your own.

It is (except in special circumstances) consider correct to eat or drink in places of assembly.

The exceptions are when you know it is wrong to do so, or where the rules prohibit eating. When you are doubtful about such matters, inquire. It is better to ask a question and get an answer then to be embarrassed by doing something definitely out of keeping.

While chewing gum, and eating or drinking refreshments,

be sure not to make noises that may bother the rest of the audience.

Before littering the floor of the theater,

check to see if others are doing it, and since that is often not correct, see if there is a receptacle for refuse. Places of assembly usually have some sort of maintenance;however it is never proper to create unnecessary work.

Behave according to the occasion.

This rule may be explained by saying that you should never do anything that is not suggested by the mood of the performance; sometimes you can follow what the majority of the audience is doing, but not always. If you are ever in doubt about what to do, sit quietly and control your actions until you are sure that laughing, applauding, or whatever, is correct.

In a confined theater,

church, or other place of assembly, it is mandatory to keep calm, especially in an emergency that may call for a fast exit. During any type of exit, you should move quietly and steadily toward the nearest door.

Proper manners in a restaurant can often make the difference between the good time or bad.

Different restaurants call for different kinds of courtesy. You would certainly hold a hamburger in your fingers at a hot-dog stand, but at a regular restaurant one is expected to use the silverware. Table manners should be observed at all times in a restaurant, as in any place you are eating. Remember that other people are expecting to enjoy a pleasant meal and you should not distract or annoy those around you.

Remain as quiet as possible on entering a restaurant,

while you are eating, and when you leave. Bustle and clamor and loud talk disrupts a peaceful atmosphere. Creating a disturbance is a method of attention-getting which, along with other methods, such as wearing out-of-place clothing, will win scant applause.

When ordering, make your wishes clear,

as a courtesy to the waiter. He wants to serve you and he would prefer not to bring you something you did not ask for. When you make a wise, sure decision there is little or no danger of your wanting to change your mind. It is usually all right to request an added item during the meal.

If you should happen to drop a napkin or piece of silverware,

do not hesitate to ask for another, rather then grope around on the floor in an effort to retrieve it. One reminder: the table manners you have been taught at home may be a little different from those you observe at the restaurant. If so, you can readily adapt yourself by observing the actions of others or by asking questions.

The meal over, you are ready to leave.

The exit should be orderly. If you are with someone who accepts the responsibility of the check, you may either sit quietly until he has paid and returns to leave a tip, or follow him while the check is being paid, then go quietly out the door. While waiting, you should not stare or bother the other patrons. If you have been given the responsibility of the check, you should assist the rest of your party in a graceful exit, following the suggestions just given. And remembering to leave a tip. Tips are 15 per cent of the price of the meal. Gather up any article of clothing, purse, or umbrella that you may have put down; public places are not responsible for articles unless they have been checked.