Etiquette vs. Manners

Do you know the difference?


eti-q-uette (noun)
1. conventional requirements as to social behavior; proprieties of conduct as established in any class or community or for any occasion.
2. a prescribed or accepted code of usage in matters of ceremony, as at a court or in official or other formal observances.
3. the code of ethical behavior regarding professional practice or action among the members of a profession in their dealings with each other.

Examples: Table etiquette, social etiquette, wedding etiquette, dining etiquette, business etiquette, etc.

man-ners (noun)
1. the prevailing customs, ways of living, and habits of a people, class, period, etc.; mores
2. ways of behaving with reference to polite standards; social comportment

Examples: say "please" and "thank you", take turns, don't interupt someone's conversation, be a good sport, be on time, say "excuse me", bless someone after a sneeze, show respect and interest in a conversation, etc.


You can have one without the other, but the best kind of person has both. Do YOU have etiquette and manners? There are certain situations that require good etiquette and/or manners.

A few examples:
1) Resturaunts
- Always place your napkin in your lap
- Wait for everyone's food to arrive before digging in
- Excuse yourself from the table if you need to step away or take a phone call
- Don't monopolize the conversation (this goes for any social setting)
- Do not "primp" (apply lipstick, brush your hair, adjust your clothing) while at the table, excuse yourself to the bathroom.
- Always tip 15% or more depending on service (if the service is bad, don't just leave a bad tip, ask to speak with the manager... there may be other things going on that you are unaware of that lead to the poor service and it could be rectified before you leave.) On the same note, compliment great service!

2) Shopping at a store or at a doctor's office
- End your phone conversation before approaching the counter or register.
- If the person behind you has one item, and you have 18, let them go before you.
- When walking down and aisle or hallway, stay to the right
- Always be aware of your surroundings and other people in your area (this goes for any public setting.)

3) Bathroom
- ALWAYS wash your hands afterwards!!
- When possible, do not go in the stall immediately next to one that is already occupied, although sometimes this is unavoidable.
- DO NOT talk on your cell phone while in a public restroom (who wants to hear that!?)
- ALWAYS use the toilet seat liner when available (maybe not etiquette, but just good hygiene and it had to be said. Protect yourselves, people!!)
- Unless you really know a person, avoid carrying on a conversation while you're "taking care of business."
- Open the door with a paper towel, and hold it open (even with your foot) for the person behind you so that they do not have to touch the door.


There is much more to be said about this, OF COURSE, but do you have good manners?

I took a quiz on www.lifescript.com to see how well-mannered I am.

Here is my RESULT: Miss Manners Applauds You
Either you grew up in a household with parents who insisted you have good manners, or you simply have good taste because your manners are up to par. You don't buy into a mentality of "It's a new generation and things are changing." You always strive to be polite, considerate and look your best. You are aware that your behavior and actions can have a significant effect on many areas of your life, and you try not to do anything that will jeopardize your opportunities or reputation. Because you are so well-mannered, you probably receive more opportunities than others. Other people have a lot of respect for your social graces and admire you for them, and more people ought to follow your lead. Keep up the good work!