Emily Post stated that “Etiquette is the science of living. It embraces everything. It is the code of sportsmanship and of honor. It is ethics.”

Emily Post was an American author. Her name has become synonymous, at least in North America, with proper etiquette and manners.

Manners are something we all need to be reminded of from time to time. People forget.

It is a busy world and manners are important.
Manners were really taught a lot when you are a child. Being trained to say “Please” and

“Thank you” almost seem like a staple to parents everywhere as they work hard to raise children with good manners. Why then do you think people forget these manners when they get behind a computer screen or cell phone? I think that the manners that you learn growing up should be the same ones you use with modern technology and social media platforms. Think about the following rules:

1. Be respectful. Being respectful and nice to others in all scenarios is the most important rule of etiquette you can follow. You may not know the proper placement of a fork at a dinner table, but most people will forgive you for that. However, being rude to people is something that most people remember. Being rude on the internet is a reflection of you and quite possibly your business. Be positive and encouraging. No one wants to be associated with a negative individual. Just because you are “hiding” behind a computer doesn’t give you free reign to act as you please. You still need to treat people properly.

2. Don’t be too quick to judge. You know the old saying: “Don’t judge a book by its cover”? It still holds true today. When meeting individuals in person or online, you should strike up a conversation, get to know them a bit before you judge who or what they are. In social media, relationships still matter. Start building yours today!

3. Do unto others. “Please” and “Thank Yous” do go a long way. If you want to be respected you first have to give respect.Online, many people forget that these simple tasks still matter quite a bit.

4. Don’t be too self-absorbed. If you have a pattern of making the discussion all about you, you may discover people walking away from you in person or often online. Try to always include others in any discussion and you may just be surprised at how many positive answers everyone adds in.

5. Chatting or texting on your cell phone while physically with others. Always give the person you are physically with your attention. Cell phones can always be placed on silent or a message can be left. It is quite rude to be with someone and you are always looking down at your phone.

Above all – don’t be too quick to react. People are trying to figure out the most proper ways to communicate and millions are entering as rookies on a monthly basis, so show patience, kindness and assume those trying to interact are naive before you assume they are malicious. It seems everyone is always in a hurry to get the last word in. The last word doesn’t mean its always correct. Stop, listen to what others have to say. They just may know more than you about a certain subject.

Be kind.

 

Scott Schmeltzer is the publisher at The Tribune. To reach him, call 740-532-1441 or by email at scott.schmeltzer@irontontribune.com.