It’s a sad fact, but many classic etiquette rules have fallen by the wayside in today’s fast-paced world. Considered archaic by modern standards, these forgotten manners add a touch of charm and civility to our daily interactions. Bringing them back would only make society a better place, so let’s look at 19 forgotten etiquette rules that need a revival.
Sending Handwritten Thank-You Notes
A handwritten thank-you note was once the order of the day for many older generations. It showed genuine appreciation and offered a mark of respect for a gift or kind gesture. These days, it tends to be a rushed thank you or a text message. It no longer carries the value it once did.
Holding Doors Open
Holding the door open for someone is a simple act of kindness that shows respect and good manners. It was once an embedded social gesture that seems to have fallen by the wayside in recent years. It takes nothing to hold a door for someone, even if you’re in a rush.
Standing Up When Being Introduced
Standing up when being introduced to someone new is a sign of respect. It signals that you value the new person enough to engage fully in the introduction. Remaining seated can be regarded as rude, particularly in a formal setting. It almost seems an old-fashioned gesture in today’s busy world.
Using Please and Thank You Regularly
Older generations often condemn younger cohorts for their poor manners, and basic courtesies such as these are overlooked nowadays. Saying please and thank you is not restricted to a particular era and should always be used for polite interactions. It makes all parties feel respected.
Writing RSVP Replies Promptly
In the age of digital invitations, many people rarely pay attention to RSVP’s. Responding to invitations promptly helps hosts plan better and shows that you value their effort in inviting you. It’s a simple way to be considerate and takes a matter of minutes to organize.
Offering Your Seat to Others
There was a time when offering seats to women was standard social behavior. In modern times, no one seems to bat an eyelid if a pregnant woman or elderly individual is left standing. It shows empathy and a willingness to put others’ comfort before your own and shows that you have good manners.
Dressing Appropriately for the Occasion
Modern dress codes have become overly casual and virtually non-existent compared to old times. There was once a time when formal events required smart attire with popular nightlife venues having strict dress codes. While casual dress brings a certain amount of freedom, we miss the days when people made more of an effort. Dressing up for a special occasion was part of the fun.
Listening Without Interrupting
With our busy and active lives, modern people always seem in a hurry to reach the pinnacle of a conversation. With that comes interruptions which are rude by anyone’s standards. Active listening without interrupting is crucial for meaningful conversations. It shows respect for the speaker and ensures that everyone feels heard and valued. We all need to slow down and take part in the moment a bit more.
Introducing Yourself and Others Properly
Making proper introductions helps to build connections and puts everyone at ease, but they’re few and far between these days. Nowadays, it seems that introductions are our own responsibility which doesn’t serve as the best icebreaker. Social gatherings can be quite tense when introductions are overlooked.
Chewing with Your Mouth Closed
We’d all like to think that this is standard manners, but the fast pace of modern life means that people are less inclined to act properly and simply get from A to B in the quickest time possible. Alarmingly, it also has something to do with enjoying food more when open-mouthed. Fast food vendors don’t help, with mealtimes now targeted at individuals who are on the go. It doesn’t always make for the most pleasant dining atmosphere.
Table Manners
It seems that Gen Zs have more important things to think about than table manners. Elbows off the table and waiting for everyone to be served before eating are now deemed archaic to be rules that should no longer apply. With cell phones constantly beeping and calls being answered over dinner, mealtimes lack the structure that they once did.
Excusing Yourself Properly
Saying Excuse me when you need to leave a conversation or room temporarily is polite and respectful. It acknowledges the presence of others and shows that you care about their feelings. No one seems to care anymore, instead removing themselves from the room when the need arises. It’s guesswork if they’re coming back or not.
Speaking Correctly
Back in the day, people adopted more well-spoken voices when they were speaking on the phone or talking to elders. They’d always remain polite and embrace their formal voice as a mark of respect. Younger generations have their own casual language that doesn’t seem to transition between any set of circumstances. Formalities are gone, replaced with modern casual slang.
Being Punctual
Punctuality was once regarded as a skill that went on a resume. Employers would need to see that candidates ranked punctuality as a necessity for career success. Nowadays, time seems to be less important for flexible-living youngsters who see no need to get a move on. Showing respect for other people’s time and schedules has vanished.
Offering a Firm Handshake
A firm handshake tells you everything you need to know about someone, but it seems less important to modern generations. Boomers will recall being educated on the importance of a steady handshake for creating a lasting impression when they were old enough to start on the career ladder. Sadly, we see more fist bumps than we do handshakes these days.
Phone Etiquette
Cell phones weren’t a thing back when good manners were essential. Modern conversations are a battle between trying to hold someone’s attention while they’re messing with their handheld device. Eye contact used to be considered important but now a gratuitous nod is deemed acceptable.
Addressing People by Their Titles
Using appropriate titles when addressing people, especially in formal settings, shows respect and recognition of their status or achievements. Titles have been replaced with first names in a bid to remove all traces of hierarchy for equality-chasing young generations. Respect is all but diminishing as a result. A bit of authority is still necessary.
Covering Your Mouth When Coughing or Sneezing
Covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing is a basic hygiene practice that shows consideration for others. Our parents taught us the importance of displaying these excellent manners that also served to prevent the spread of germs. No one wants to be sneezed on mid-conversation.
Offering Help When Needed
Offering help to someone in need, whether it’s carrying groceries or giving directions, shows kindness and community spirit. Unfortunately, the current smartphone addiction and a constant stream of global news have desensitized modern users from real-life situations where others may need help. If they see it online often enough, they’re no longer as aware of it happening in front of them. Not a good way to go.
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