Etiquette refers to a set of rules that define acceptable behavior when people are in a social setting. Displaying etiquette is important because it helps us to think about our conduct and how we act in different contexts. Moreover, having good etiquette makes us become aware of the feelings of others when they are with us.
However, there are certain occasions when we fail to demonstrate proper etiquette. When this happens, people around us feel uncomfortable with us. Depending on their level of discomfort in our presence, they may even decide to stay away from us in social settings.
This article will discuss 5 common etiquette mistakes that are often encountered in social settings.
Pointing at People Using Fingers
We are so used to pointing at people using our fingers, but this is an etiquette concern that we should stop doing. When we are at a meeting and we are referring to one of our colleagues, we usually point at them using our index finger. Regardless if you are praising them or acknowledging their efforts, pointing at people, especially in an event, is rude and impolite.
Instead, use your full hand to gesture to the person you are referring to. Doing this will demonstrate your understanding of etiquette rules and will eliminate cultural rifts in the workplace.
Failing to Thank the Gift-Giver on Time
When we receive a gift, it is right to thank the gift-giver on time. However, many people are guilty of the mistake of not immediately thanking the person who gave them a gift. Worse, some people fail to say “thank you” for their gifts at all!
Proper etiquette tells us that it is important to thank the gift-giver as soon as you receive their gift. A simple text message, or chat message, or an email, saying “Thank you. I have received your gift. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.” will go a long way and demonstrate your elegance and etiquette as a person.
Now, some people give gifts in advance, like days or weeks ahead of a celebration. Even if you are saving the gift for the actual day of the occasion, it is important to send a thank you message to the gift-giver even if you do not know what is inside yet. You can be honest in saying that you intend to open it on the day of your birthday or anniversary or on Christmas day, so what is inside is still a surprise. You can just send a follow-up message once you opened the gift to appreciate it.
Sneezing in your Hand
Sneezing in your hand is not right and not hygienic. The likelihood of us using our hands for many activities is extremely high, which makes the spread of germs extremely high, as well. More importantly, we use our right hand for shaking the hand of other people, and imagine how unhygienic it is to sneeze into your hand and touch another’s hand afterward.
Instead, sneeze into your elbow, or use a hanky or a napkin and look away from the person you are talking to before you sneeze.
Man Extending Hand First to a Woman for a Handshake
In a social setting, the preferences of women are always prioritized. This includes preferring to shake the hand of a man or not.
In this case, in a social setting, it is important for a man to always wait for a woman who has just been introduced to him to extend her hand for a handshake. Otherwise, if you are a man, you may be left in an awkward position wherein you extend your hand to a lady who does not shake it back.
Referring to Someone as “Hey!”
Many people call out people whose names they forgot to remember as “Hey!” This is a practice that should be avoided because it is impolite to do so.
It is of course best to refer to a person by their names, but in the event that you forgot the name of the person in front of you, it is better to greet them with a sincere “hello”, followed by an honest remark “sorry, I forgot what your name is.”
Call to Action
There you go! Thank you for reading through the 5 etiquette mistakes that people commonly make in social settings. Be mindful of these, and I sincerely hope that none of us will make these mistakes moving forward!
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