Only if they seem to need help. It is always good manners to help anyone who is putting on an overcoat, which can be especially difficult over a suit.
Blog
20Oct
I am a consultant and I have a client who has very poor personal hygiene. Recently he lost a contract because he “was dirty and smelled, and I didn’t want him around my client base”. I am trying to help him, but I don’t want to bruise his ego.
Posted in Tips
I am a firm believer that one cannot fix a problem unless he/she KNOWS the problem. You will help him if you be honest and let him know the truth. If his ego is bruised, that is his problem, not yours. “Protecting” him is not good business. He will thank you [...]
20Oct
Does a card go on the inside or outside of the gift box that one takes to a wedding reception?
Posted in Tips
Placing the card on the outside is fine, however, make sure it is secure. Tape it down on all four corners. Better yet, have the gift delivered to the bride way before the wedding. Years ago it was a tradition to have the couple open gifts at a wedding. Today there [...]
13Oct
There used to be two rules about colors to not wear at a wedding in America: white, which is in conflict with the bride’s dress, and black, which is the color of mourning. Today I see both, however, I encourage guests to not wear white or black. Flower girls many times wear [...]
04Oct
What is being conveyed when a man meets a woman, they shake hands and he continues to hold her hand while asking her something?
Posted in General
Be careful not to read too much in to this situation. Possibly there is noise with other people around, and he wants to hear what she has to say. Holding the hand, holds attention. Now if it is uncomfortable for a woman, simply place your free hand over his hand and step slightly to [...]
04Oct
For the last eight weeks we have had a contractor work hard on a project. Every day he cleaned up before leaving. Is it proper to tip, and if so, how much should I tip?
Posted in Tips
Tipping is always appreciated, but should never be expected [by the contractor]. There are different ways to tip: offering beverages and/or food during the project. Giving appreciation by expressing how much you value their good work. Saying thank you. Depending on the cost of the project and your budget, a cash tip is [...]
04Oct
When having a party, it is proper to say [or write on the invitation] that it is BYOB, which is an acronym for “bring your own bottle”. The host supplies an array of soft drinks, juice and water for mixers. “We are having people over for hors d’oeuvres and we will have soft drinks. [...]
26Aug
We were in a Mexican restaurant and served corn on the cob. We did not know if we should eat it off the cob, so to be safe we cut it and them consumed it. Is there a proper way to eat corn?
Posted in Tips
Corn on the cob is only served at casual meals. Simply butter and season several rows at a time, not the whole cob (unless you are at the county fair where you dunk it is the bucket of butter! No, you may not re-dunk!!) Hold the cob firmly with both hands and [...]
07Jul
When going for a job interview, is it proper etiquette to ask what the organization’s dress code is before going to the interview? Or is it just best to show up in business attire, coat and tie, etc.
Posted in Tips
In the business world it is never incorrect to go to business events with a coat and tie attire. You can always remove the tie to dress down. Researching the company’s corporate dress code is an EXCELLENT idea. Communication is the key! If the corporate dress is suit and tie, wear [...]
30May
From male reader: I have just received a wedding invitation, and it states “This is a formal event”. Does that mean I have to rent a tuxedo?
Posted in Tips
No, you do not have to rent a tux. You do however, have to wear suit and tie attire. “Black tie” means a tuxedo event. “Formal attire or formal event” means suit and tie. Ladies, a nice dress or fancy pant suit. The reason that the bride and groom put [...]
