Etiquette-Do We or Don't We?

Etiquette-Definition a code of behavior that delineates (borders or boundaries) expectations for social behavior according to contemporary conventional norms with a society, social class or group. My first thought is what a definition!

As I often comment, all it takes is a conversation or comment and that is how a post begins. At a recent dinner meeting, meals were being served at our table and someone realized they had started eating before everyone else was served. When she commented on how sorry she was for going ahead and eating many of us just had a chuckle with it all.  "What is the etiquette about eating before others are served"? she stated.  This wasn't our first rodeo as they say and we gave her a pass to go ahead. Our group is pretty casual and friendly even though we are professional business women. Checking on-line at one source The Kitchn.com, provide two great suggestions. One, its a judgement call. Check around the table the (one) person still waiting to get her food tells everyone else to go ahead and eat. Another rule, six or fewer at the table should wait until everyone is served. At our next gathering we will try and remember this tip.

I also checked out Ehow.com for some basic etiquette on lapel pin and name tag etiquette which also was brought up. Generally, lapel pins are worn on the left next to your heart. Usually it is often left as a symbolic gesture to the wearer and is not considered a faux pas if worn on the right.  A name tag should be worn on the right side of the chest as it helps with name/face recognition.  My suggestion don't wear too much on your shirt, jacket or tie because then you will be recognized as the human advertisement!

I am not sure how it is in the figure skating world now but usually rink etiquette was in my mind, if they were going faster than you, they got to do whatever they wanted. Truly, at a freestyle session the coach and/or student who had their lesson and music playing had the right-of-way. My mom would often get mad at me because she said I spent more time leaning against the railing then I did skating at times. All bets were usually off at a public skating session. People skated this way and that and you usually hoped that you made it through a session without getting knocked down or skated over. Skating guards were usually the etiquette watchers then.

Back when true social etiquette was an indicator of  wealth and refinement, no move was made without precision, grace and thoughts of others around you.  Today, most people throw caution to the wind and hope that no own is judged in this overly judgemental world in which we live.

Emily Post Institute has a great website and also a Emily's Etiquette Daily on Facebook that has some interesting tips about handling those tough situations we find ourselves faced with.  

When you find yourself on "thin ice" do what comes natural, bend your knees and let whatever happens happen it usually does anyway. To the ladies that were at the dinner table, we always usually have fun at our meetings and throw caution to the wind.