THERE are times throughout every day of your life when you have to make a choice of whether to use good etiquette or be impolite. 

Please, for the sake of humanity and civility, take the high road and be a lady or a gentleman.

Even under the most trying of situations, it isn’t that much more difficult; and you’ll feel better later if you do the right thing.

Here are 10 quick and easy tips to assist you to practise good etiquette every day:

1. BE FRIENDLY AND POLITE: Even on miserable days, when everything seems to be going wrong, forcing a smile has the potential to lift the mood of not only the person you’re looking at, but yours as well. Add the words ‘please’, ‘thank you’, ‘you’re welcome’, and ‘excuse me’ to your vocabulary, and you may find others responding with reciprocated kindness.

2. BE ON TIME: Avoid being late for an appointment with anyone, whether it’s your doctor or your child. Being on time shows that you have respect for the other person.

3. BE A HELPER: If you see someone whose arms are overloaded with packages, open the door for them. Also, if you have just entered a building and someone is right behind you, hold the door to keep it from slamming in his or her face.

4. RESPECT OTHERS: Allow others to voice their opinions without argument. When you are in the company of someone of greater authority, show him or her proper respect. The old saying “If you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything” is wise, and should be followed in most social situations.

5. LET OTHERS GO FIRST: If you can let others go first without awkwardness, then do it! This includes walking, standing in line, and driving. A woman with small children will appreciate getting through the checkout lane quickly, particularly if her children are hungry or bored.

6. MINIMISE THE NOISE: Keep your cell phone ringer volume as low as possible. If you work in an office cubicle, be considerate of your fellow office mates by keeping your voice low while chatting on the phone. Don’t honk at other drivers, unless it’s to avoid an accident.

7. EAT POLITELY: Whether you brought your lunch or you’re eating out with friends, keep your elbows off the table, don’t talk with your mouth full, and avoid reaching across people to grab the pepper.

8. REMOVE YOUR HAT: The old “remove the hat indoors” etiquette rule still stands, and should be observed. If you are on a business call or job interview, don’t risk being seen as impolite by leaving your hat on. When the national anthem is being played, it’s a sign of respect to stand and remove your hat.

9. SEND A ‘THANK YOU’ NOTE: Being thankful will never go out of style. When someone does something for you, or sends you a gift, thank the person with a handwritten note; a text message or a phone call can also apply.

10. INTRODUCE PEOPLE: When you are in a situation in which you’re the only person who knows the other parties, take the time to introduce them. Look at the person whose name you are saying; speak clearly; and if you’re in a social setting, find something the people have in common.
(Source: etiquette.about.com)

By Raveena Mangal