The Beauty of Etiquette in 2011 – Where Have All Our Manners Gone?

The Beauty of Etiquette in 2011 – Where Have All Our Manners Gone?

Ciao bella,

Say Thanks

My parents seem to have lived their life in a “gentle” era where niceties were displayed commonly everyday. I know; I was there! Has anyone noticed how rude and inconsiderate people have become? Lately I have noticed that more and more of the younger generation are just so totally in their own world. I know it’s a generation that were taught not to say “excuse me,” “thank you,” “you’re welcome” – simply because I don’t hear it any more. If you say those things it shows weakness and vulnerability! So why leave yourself open by being considerate and just taking the time to be nice? It would sure make for a better day when life gets tough. When you follow your manners and smile doing it, a great reward will follow-the beauty of kindness.

Why even in Italy there is a word prego that not only means “you’re welcome” but “go ahead before me”! And now in a world with technology ringing from our purses, what to do, what to do?

Here are a few tips for your mobile distraction:

Always silence your phone when in a restaurant, theatre or cinema. Use the vibrate mode in a restaurant if you are expecting something important. Excuse yourself from the table and make it quick especially if people need to order.

Lower your voice when talking in a public place.

Never have a “personal” conversation in a public spot.

Use the 10 ft rule when speaking on your cell-mark your distance!

When you must take a call in company, excuse yourself with permission to accept the call.

Never blame the caller for a “dropped call.”

I have seen these rules broken everyday! So listen up ladies!

What happened to the thank you note of old? You know with a stamp and return address. I hope the schools are bringing back penmanship lessons because I’ve heard some kids don’t know how to sign their names. One strike for excessive computer use! Ahhh the cursive way! One of my school subjects that would be marked scrupulously! Here are a few etiquette tips:

You may freshen your lipstick at the table quickly after dining in a restaurant – never your hair! Summon the waiter by raising your hand, first finger pointing up or you may call “waiter” or “miss” never “sir.”

Remember to tip your bartender 15-20%! Let a gentlemen open a door for you.

So remember we live in a city with close proximity to the next person. Show a little kindness and feel the beauty of it all!

Happy Thanksgiving and God bless the United States of America!

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.