"The surest way to make friends is to be the sort of person that people are glad to have around". Tina Lee
Welcome to our new series, Belle of the Ball. In University, a requirement for my degree was to take a course on Global Culture. The course quickly became my favorite; as I learned more about cultural diversity, I became enthralled with intercultural behavior codes. I have since cultivated a blossoming appreciation for cultural etiquette.
Etiquette can be defined as, the cultural guidelines for what is appropriate or inappropriate and polite or impolite. In every social unit there are accepted rules of behavior that are upheld and enforced by legal codes; there are also behavioral norms that are mandated by custom and enforced by the culture. Etiquette provides a culture with structure, integrity, grace, and finesse. Each etiquette code is uniquely adapted from culture to culture. Although etiquette styles continuously evolve as they are passed from generation to generation; the fundamentals of global etiquette remain essentially the same. It is important to learn and appreciate cultural etiquette, as it can provide you with the skills to excel in your interpersonal relationships. Simple business and social etiquette are essential in order to relate with others with ease and confidence.
Since etiquette is complex and varies from culture to culture, there can never be a universal faultless code of etiquette. However, polite and courteous manners are felt, spoken, and understood from person to person regardless of their culture structure. In our present society, we are surrounded with the notion of instant gratification while proper etiquette is often disregarded. Taking the time to understand and cultivate appropriate etiquette can provide you with the necessary skills to confidently navigate your social interactions with gracefulness.
Etiquette improves as you learn more. There is no written article on etiquette that is perfect; for etiquette is cumulative, and evolves through the years. My desire is for this series to encourage the courteous to "do unto others as you would have others do unto you". Etiquette, that is founded upon this rule, becomes the expression, in graceful manner, of personal virtues and politeness. True inner politeness is the language of a tender heart that can be understood from culture to culture. Etiquette should not consist of merely outward actions but instead etiquette should be derived from a kind and courteous heart.
Belle of the Ball etiquette series is designed not as a set of rules to follow but rather as an entertaining series to be read and enjoyed by all. My aim is not intended to ridicule but instead to provide a fun and informative way, for us to learn our society's most elegant etiquette courtesies. May this series give you the confidence to navigate through unfamiliar social situation with elegance, and grace!
Belle of the Ball series will cover topics such as:
- Letter Writing Etiquette
- Table Manners
- Text Messaging Courtesies
- Honk! Honk! Driver Etiquette
- Volunteer Politeness
- Graduation Etiquette
- Party Tips
- Online Friending (social media etiquette)
- Classroom Etiquette
- Dining Out Etiquette
- Dating Etiquette
- Paying The Bill: Who Pays?
- Polite Passenger (avoid being a "back-seat-driver")
- Job Interview Etiquette
.....and so much more!!
I'm so excited to share with you all the discoveries I have learned..... Did you know you’re suppose step away from a crowd to answer your cell phone. When you are with a group of people and your phone rings, you should politely excuse yourself and walk a short distance away to answer the call. Tip: make sure to keep the conversation as brief as possible, as this shows respect for the group you are with.
Together we will learn all the codes to being a modern elegant Belle of the Ball!
Hugs and Kisses,
Tiffany