Social Etiquette

Five tips for being a gracious house guest

By Arden / July 9, 2015 /

Every year I speak on dining and business etiquette essentials to a group of college students who are in a leadership program hosted by the University of Washington Women’s Center. The program is called the Alene Morris National Education for Women’s Leadership. It’s a six day intensive program that focuses on increasing women’s representation in…

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The importance of teaching your children to say hello

By Arden / July 1, 2015 /

When I was a child I was very shy, and was uncomfortable greeting and conversing with adults. However, my mother would always make a point of introducing me to people she encountered and would encourage me to look at the adult and say hello. As I got older, while still shy, I became much more…

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Will it kill you to be nice?

By Arden / May 12, 2015 /

It’s National Etiquette Week – a time when we remember the importance of acting with courtesy, civility, kindness and good manners. And a good reminder it is. In our busy, rush, rush 21st century lives, it seems courtesy and kindness often take a back seat to our own agenda. For example; too often I find…

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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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