Posts by Arden
Remember the holiday spirit
My favorite FedEx Kinkos store assistant was a bit grumpy about the holidays. He was not his usual cheerful and upbeat self. He explained that the company has been gearing up and talking about the holidays since July and he was looking forward to December 26 when all is calm, all is bright.
Read MoreDon’t forget the hostess gift
There is a funny Seinfeld episode where Elaine, George and Jerry are headed to a dinner party and Elaine mentions to Jerry that they need to stop and pick up a bottle of wine to bring as a hostess gift. George is perplexed by this and doesn’t understand why he should be expected to bring…
Read MoreCocktail party food and drink finesse
When mingling at parties and networking events, have you ever struggled with juggling a plate of food and a drink? When you have a plate in one hand and a glass in the other it prevents you from shaking hands and you usually can’t eat, at least not gracefully. Thankfully there are a few things…
Read MoreFour tips to make your holiday party mingling easier
The holidays are here! Whether you’re attending the company holiday dinner or your neighbor’s cocktail party being ready for mingling with strangers or people you don’t know well will make the events much easier for you. Here are four tips to make your mingling stress-free.
Read MoreA fun way to share your gratitude
Do you have the tradition of sharing what you’re thankful for at Thanksgiving? I’m usually the instigator of this practice in my family and they often groan and tease me for being so predictable. But, I don’t care because what I love most about Thanksgiving is taking the time to reflect on what we are…
Read MoreRaised pinky fingers, scone slicing and other tea faux pas
With a Starbucks on every corner and American’s addiction to coffee, it’s hard to believe that at one time tea was the beverage of choice.
Read MoreThe “Yes, and…” principle
Have you ever been to a comedy improv show or tried improvisation? My husband and some friends and I went to Comedy Sportz recently and had a great time. I was reminded how difficult improvisation is. When it’s done well it looks easy, but having taken some improv lessons I know it’s not. You have…
Read MoreManners, etiquette, it’s all the same, right?
People often describe etiquette as manners. The two are very closely linked, but they are different. I like to say that manners are the sister to etiquette. They belong in the same family but one is practical and the other is kind.
Read MoreHandling online bullies
Do you remember the school bully – the person who made your life miserable through their taunts, insults and meanness? Sadly, it seems bullies don’t just exist in childhood. There are adult bullies everywhere, and many of them hide behind their computer screen.
Read MoreHandshake alternatives for a germ-filled world
Today when I called my doctor to make an appointment for my annual exam the scheduler asked me several questions – “Have you been out of the country within the past 21 days?” “Have you been around anyone who has been out of the country within the past 21 days?” “Are you sick?” I knew…
Read More