Courtesy

My struggle with being gracious

By Arden / February 4, 2014 /

Sometimes it’s hard for me to be gracious. Yes, I’m afraid it’s true. I can be selfish, and sometimes I struggle with being patient.

Read More

The scary thought of in-flight cell phone use

By Arden / November 25, 2013 /

The Wall Street Journal interviewed me and some of my etiquette consultant colleagues for an article on the etiquette of cell phone usage on airplanes. As you may have read the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering allowing airline passengers use their cell phones in flight.

Read More

What graciousness and heated seats have in common

By Arden / October 21, 2013 /

On my way to yoga class this morning I was willing my heated seats to hurry up and get warm because it was chilly in the car. Despite wanting to get warm, I smiled as I recalled a time shortly after buying my car when my sister-in-law, Beth, was visiting over the holidays.

Read More

Cell phone pet peeves

By Arden / July 18, 2013 /

Do you have a cell phone pet peeve? Are there things that people do with their cell phones that drive you crazy? If so, you’re not alone. Most people are bothered by the rude cell phone behavior of others.

Read More

The power of gracious behavior

By Arden / June 13, 2013 /

It’s always heartwarming when I see really gracious, polite behavior, and not just because I’m an etiquette consultant. When I see people being courteous and other focused I am reminded of how powerful it is.

Read More

Lessons learned from an unpleasant coffee meeting

By Arden / May 9, 2013 /

If you are a salesperson, business owner or are unemployed, you most likely do a lot of networking. This often means coffee and lunch dates with people who have complementary businesses or who can be helpful to you in some way.

Read More

Leaving a job with grace

By Arden / April 22, 2013 /

It can be very challenging to be gracious when you feel you’ve been wronged. And, when the situation is one in which you’ve been terminated from a job, it can be especially difficult to not be angry and vindictive.

Read More

A polite colleague’s dilemma

By Arden / April 3, 2013 /

Dear Arden, I enjoyed a lovely dinner with a colleague and would like to mail her a handwritten thank you note. Her business card doesn’t list a mailing address; this seems to be the trend with so many business cards in these days of electronic communication. I will email a note but I’m wondering if…

Read More

Bad behavior

By Arden / March 21, 2013 /

Do you turn into a monster behind the wheel of your car or when you’re in other seemingly anonymous situations? Why is it that even the mildest mannered, gracious people become Mr. Hyde in certain circumstances?

Read More

Coupon conundrums

By Arden / March 11, 2013 /

Are you a Groupon groupie or a LivingSocial lover? I have been off and on. It’s always fun to get a deal, and I’ve gotten some great ones on everything from haircuts to upscale dining to car detailing. A friend suggested I write a post about how to handle using restaurant coupons when you are…

Read More