By Steven V. Dubin
Remember when a perfect stranger held the door for you?
Or when someone RSVPed for your party? And even showed up? Heck, sometimes they called ahead and asked if you need anything.
Somewhere in our “Me Now” society, we’ve lost much of the common etiquette that held us together. Common etiquette that made for a kinder society.
Somehow we are so immersed in our own cell phone, cars, and cubicles, that we’ve forgotten the niceties of those around us.
With that in mind, I’d like to steer us back to some of the most basics of etiquette to make this a better world.
Music: I’m delighted that you enjoy your music. Please don’t make it mine. Reduce the volume on your car speakers and mobile Bluetooth speaker.
Cannabis: I don’t discourage you from using cannabis for medical or recreational reasons. Please don’t give me a second-hand high. Smoke in your space, not my public space.
Mobile phone usage: Talk all you want on your cell phone. I don’t need to hear your conversation. Additionally, when you are with someone, focus on that person. Put the phone down for a moment. It will be there later.
Gifts: Be appreciative. Send a thank-you note. Respond in a reasonable time frame – a month or so. Include a photo of you enjoying the gift.
Personal space: At an empty beach, movie theater, or general-seating restaurant, you don’t need to sit right next to me. Give us both a bit of privacy.
Punctuality: The only thing God gives both of us is time. An undetermined amount of time. Don’t violate it. Noon means noon. I’ll be there. I’m counting on you to be as well.
Conversation: Look me in the eye, listen, and avoid interrupting. I’ll respond in kind.
Your etiquette concerns and suggestions? Please share them with me and our readers. Make this a better place. Also, if you know of a senior who is doing something interesting with their retirement, I look forward to hearing from you! Please email me at SDubin@PRWorkZone.com
Steven V. Dubin is the founder of PR Works, a lightly used public relations firm based in Plymouth which helps small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies navigate the overwhelming options of advertising. Steve lives in Plymouth with his wife, Wendy. He is a contributing author to “Get Slightly Famous” and “Tricks of the Trade,” the complete guide to succeeding in the advice business. He recently authored “PR 101,” an E-book.
