Manners

Double dipping. "Please" and "Thank You." How are the kids doing when it comes to the social graces? The answers to these five questions may tell -- and we'll tally the score. ...

Elbows on the table and trips to the restroom during dinner -- how are your kids doing when it comes to social graces at the dinner table? ...

Dealing with the Disabled Here are 10 practical tips that will help you avoid feeling socially disabled when dealing with the disabled: Mind Your P's and Q's Remember, everything is relative: Some disabled writers have referred to nondisabled p...

The Magic Words: Teaching Your Toddler Manners In teaching your two-year-old how to behave politely, concentrate on the "magic words." This teaching will feed into your child's already strong urge to learn and master new words. You can heighten ...

Manners and Mealtime Just Don't Mix Q-tip Most toddlers (and preschoolers) do not have very exotic tastes. So if you and your partner prefer foods that your child doesn't like, try to make something simpler for him. Mealtime for toddlers is nev...

Invitations: Sending and Receiving People are almost always pleased to receive an invitation, and they are especially pleased to receive one that is properly composed and presented. Replying First, let's have a look at some suggestions that a...

What's the path to good manners for your children? Get age-appropriate tips for raising polite children, from toddlers to teens, who behave well at the dinner table and beyond. ...

E-mail Etiquette The ease of e-mail makes it ideal for casual correspondence, but it should be seen as a supplement to, and not a replacement for, other types of correspondence. Some situations demand a formal letter, a telephone call, or a ...

Writing Letters: The Letter Format Some people have trouble starting a letter but, once started, can continue comfortably. It's a good idea to mentally go over the main things you want to say before starting. You can begin with a bit of good new...

Dealing with the Visually Impaired In general, guide dogs are working animals, not pets. So don't pet them. In fact, don't call their names or distract them in any way. Allow the dogs to accompany their owners into all stores and buildings. Thes...

Dealing with Bad News Gracefully More often than we'd like to think, and often when we least expect it, people we know end up getting fired, going into bankruptcy, having accidents, getting indicted, and experiencing the death of a loved one....

Overcoming Stage Fright Everybody gets it. Everybody can get over it. Third-degree stage fright manifests itself as a revved-up heart beat, elevated blood pressure, a flushed face, and trembling hands. When you have stage fright, you're experie...

Children and Gift Giving If a child wants to give a teacher a gift at Christmas or Hanukkah, on a birthday, or at the end of the school year, the gift should not be extravagant. In fact, encourage your child to get the class to offer a gift to...

Perfecting the Art of the Compliment A compliment is a two-way gift. It benefits both the giver and the receiver. Too often, people deprive themselves of the pleasure of giving a compliment when they hesitate and let the moment slip by. Or perha...

New motherhood brings a bundle of joy — as well as a lot of prying questions, judgmental comments, and unwanted advice about raising a baby. We've compiled some awkward and awful real-life anecdotes from moms. Learn what topics call for caution...

Delivering Criticism Smoothly The "Critical I" Julia is having lunch with her cousin Carla. Julia has the egg salad on whole wheat. Carla has the smoked salmon. Even with the iced tea and tip, Julia figures her bill will come in under $10. Carla...

Gracious Greetings Between Cultures When greeting someone, an American's first instinct is to stick out his or her hand, look directly at the other person, and smile. In some situations, this habit can mean making three mistakes at once. And th...

How to Handle Introductions Gracefully People wince inwardly when you mispronounce their names. It is a serious breach of business etiquette. If you don't know the correct pronunciation of someone's name, ask! If you are still in doubt, ask ap...