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 in the end.
Archive for the ‘Tips’ Category
Does a card go on the inside or outside of the gift box that one takes to a wedding reception?
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 is limited time. Possibly [...]
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 white dresses with [...]
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?
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 a sign [...]
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. You [...]
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?
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 eat. Avoid “chomping” [...]
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.
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 a navy blue suit, [...]
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?
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 this on the invitation is [...]
Yes it is! Seventeen other women and I have published an 18-chapter book, The Power of Civility, just in time to celebrate civility! It is available on my website and through Amazon.com.
You recommended a book for us to give our mom’s on Mother’s Day. Is it entitled Passages or New Passages by Gail Sheehy?
Gail Sheehy wrote Passages in the mid ‘70’s. Twenty years later she “rewrote” it, and titled it New Passages. I highly recommend it for moms, dads, anyone! You read it too! It is a valuable resource about the passages of life. Gail Sheehy writes from many of her own experiences, including being a caregiver for her husband [...]
