Jim Weber - The Complete Idiots Guide to Modern Manners Fast-Track

Modern
Manners

by Mary M. Mitchell with Jim Weber

A member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

To Letitia Baldrige

I could not have asked for a better mentor or friend.

ALPHA BOOKS

Published by Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

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Copyright 2013 by Mary M. Mitchell and Jim Weber

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THE COMPLETE IDIOTS GUIDE TO and Design are registered trademarks of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

ISBN: 978-1-61564-290-8

Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2012912823

15 14 13 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Interpretation of the printing code: The rightmost number of the first series of numbers is the year of the books printing; the rightmost number of the second series of numbers is the number of the books printing. For example, a printing code of 13-1 shows that the first printing occurred in 2013.

Printed in the United States of America

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ALWAYS LEARNING

PEARSON

Introduction

Were only as successful as our weakest relationship. How were able to connect with each otherwhether in our jobs or our personal livesdictates how effective we are. Nobody is perfect. We all mess up. Yet our ability to grease lifes skids with a sincere please, thank you, excuse me, and I apologize goes a long way to nurture relationships and set good examples for others.

Manners and etiquette are two different things. Mannersgood mannerscome from inside us. Its all about kindness and respect, both for oneself and also for others. Having good manners means having an attitude of mutual cooperation and civility. On the other hand, etiquette is a set of rules, the dos and donts of given situations that help avert chaos. Good manners give etiquette its authority. But whether were talking about manners or etiquette, the bottom line in every interaction is to do whats kind.

As all of us experience the stress of difficult political and economic times, were becoming more self-involved, thoughtless, inconsiderate, and rude. It happens without our even being aware of it, and surely not by intention.

This book is a reminder for even the most time-crunched of us to put ourselves in the other guys shoes in the interests of smoother coexistence. Good manners and basic etiquette are democratizing factors, and they never were more useful than they are right now.

How This Book Is Organized

As a fast-track to modern manners, this book isnt meant to be a complete reference for all aspects of good manners. Rather, its an on-the-spot, go-to handbook for the more common situations that present themselves in day-to-day living.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. This is the underlying premise on which is organized. First impressions are not only made face-to-face, but also through the telephone, the internet, and on paper.

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Although the family of today may look very different from that of our grandparents, home is still very much where the heart is. Home is where we learn the most fundamental lessons, which are covered in .

Neighborhood issues can bring out the best and worst in us. is full of suggestions for neighborly living.

The lines between personal and work life blur increasingly, and will help you navigate the office and your business relationships.

Miraculous advances in technology give us new challenges for effectively dealing with each other. sets out guidelines for being savvy yet sensitive in cyberspace.

Handwritten messages carry more of an impact than ever, providing an opportunity to set ourselves apart in a truly positive light, as you will see in .

Learning how to be effective and constructive when face-to-face with others is what is all about.

takes us on the road, with directions to help make the most of our travel experiences.

The curtain goes up on appropriate behavior, and its time for lights, camera, and action in when out on the town.