Social Etiquette

The trouble with “You should…”

By Arden / May 4, 2015 /

Have you ever found yourself saying “You should…” to someone? “You should try kale; it’s really good for you.” “You should tell her how you feel.” We say “you should…” when we feel we know best. And while we may have very good information, saying “You should” to someone is usually moralizing.

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What a name tag backing has to do with customer service

By Arden / March 23, 2015 /

I peeled off my name tag and crumpled up the backing. Riley noticed the paper in my hand and asked if she could throw it away.  Such a small thing, but her attention to detail left an impression on me.

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Don’t be a drip: Six umbrella etiquette tips

By Arden / February 20, 2015 /

This is a guest post by Mary Morrison. I’ll get right to the point. I don’t have anything against umbrellas, I just don’t like them. It’s not fair, I know. Umbrellas don’t hurt people, people who have no awareness of their positions in space hurt people. When I worked downtown I developed an aversion to…

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Show them the love

By Arden / February 9, 2015 /

It’s Be Nice to Everyone month. In January, I wrote about 12 things you could do throughout the year to be a better person. February’s focus is to show everyone the love, in honor of Valentine’s Day. When we show the same courtesy and respect to everyone, whether the receptionist at the office or your…

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Exercise good gym etiquette

By Arden / January 9, 2015 /

It happens every January, hordes of people resolved to get in shape descend on gyms across the country. While I applaud the determined many, it does make for a difficult few weeks for the regulars while the newbies fill up classes and bumble with gym etiquette.

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12 months to a better you

By Arden / January 4, 2015 /

It’s the New Year, that time when everyone looks forward to a fresh start. Many people make resolutions such as lose weight, exercise more and eat better. Those are all worthy goals, but what if instead you focused on being a better person? A person who made great first and lasting impressions and who was…

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Seven tips for appropriate regifting

By Arden / December 30, 2014 /

The presents are opened, the wrapping paper recycled and you might be wondering what to do with those gifts that aren’t quite something you want or need. According to a survey by Creditdonkey.com 83 percent of respondents are okay with receiving a regifted gift. This surprised me. I personally am not a big fan of…

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Remember the holiday spirit

By Arden / December 16, 2014 /

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.

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box of chocolates

Don’t forget the hostess gift

By Arden / December 9, 2014 /

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…

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Cocktail party food and drink finesse

By Arden / December 7, 2014 /

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…

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