"Dear Abby" was one of the original syndicated advice columns, appearing in over 1,200 newspapers and read by over 95 million people. Times have certainly changed since "Dear Abby" launched in 1956, but we are curious: are there still rules for common etiquette? And if so, what are they?
In the past few weeks, 5 burning questions have come up within the SheSpeaks Team. After much discussion, here are our best answers. Do you agree? Tell us what you think and you'll be entered to win a $75 Amazon gift card!
Are there any questions you'd love the answers to? Submit them and we'll include some of our favorites as future polls on our website!
Not usually. Leftovers should be left for the host to enjoy. However, if there are a ton of leftovers and the host is truly insisting you take it, then take it. It's certainly not worth fighting over.
Yes, it's rude, but sometimes it has to be done. For example, if you are out without your kids, then it's ok to keep the phone out in case there is any issue at home. But don't take any calls or texts unless they are truly important. It's not fun to be at dinner with someone who cares more about their device than you.
If everyone knows the recipient equally, than everyone pays equally. But if the partner in the couple doesn't know the recipient and is really just a guest, then 50-50 might be ok. Make sure to talk about it with each other before assuming the amount.
No one wants to hear constant phone beeping when they're not interested in the chat. If there's a chance that the discussion will end soon, then just silence your phone and ignore it. But if it looks like this chain might be permanent, then it's ok to beg out. Best to send a light-hearted text, something like, "Hey all, love this group but need to get away from the phone and actually pay attention to my children! Can you remove me from the chat? Thx!"
Everyone appreciates a thank-you but there are varying degrees of how it needs to be said. If your friend buys you a drink for your bithday, sending a thank-you text afterwards is perfect. But if you receive more meaningful gifts, like at your wedding, graduation party or baby shower, than, yes, we still believe that hand-written notes are ideal. Email is ok for informal events if it is truly personalized. If someone spent time picking out a thoughtful (or expensive) gift for your new baby, they deserve something more than a group email saying, "Thanks for coming to my shower! Loved your gift!"
*One lucky contestant will be chosen at random to receive a $75 Amazon gift card. Giveaway is open through July 28th, 2019 to U.S. residents at least 18 years of age. Entrants must be a member of SheSpeaks. If you are not a member, click here to join. Winner will be notified by email.
Update: Thanks to all who entered! Congrats to our winner, SheSpeaks member beaniebaby70.
all of these are great but its my main pet peeve is being on your phone - it needs to stop and is disrespectful
Great answers!! Some people in today's world, have forgotten what being polite is.
These are all really good! But one I insist on with my kids is hand-written thank you notes!
I am old school, too. I agree with all of the above.
I am a firm believer in hand-written thank you notes sent by snail mail. If someone took the time to think of me either with a gift or a service (out to lunch or dinner), then she deserves a thought out thank you. That's how I was raised. It would be hard for me NOT to send a thank you note when someone has been kind.
I agree with all of these, especially thank you notes!
I AGREE WITH THE OPINIONS HERE.
I still think had written thank you notes sent in the mail are proper.
I never have my phone at dinner. My family knows this. I love this article.
I still value handwritten thank you notes. In fact, I still have a few from recent years that were so sweet and meaningful and reminded me of fantastic friendships. I think that everyone loves to get personal mail (other than bills and promotional mailings) and it's also another connection between friends. All of that is, of course, apart from the etiquette of thanking the giver.
I think it is ok to take your leftovers home. I have many gatherings at my home and do bot expect or even want everyone to leave their leftovers dishes here..
I agree...especially with the Phone....PUT IT DOWN!!!
I too am "old school" in my thinking. Being courteous and just thinking about others should be our first priority when it comes to things like this. How do we want others to treat us is how we should treat others.
I found myself to be annoyed recently when someone didn't even acknowledge a wedding shower gift I sent them arrived. So, I definitely still like thank you notes or at least letting the person know you received it.
Most of these are common sense and manners and these days we lack both. Maybe we need to reacquaint our youth with manners and teach them some common day to day skills. A visit to the Grandparents or Great Grandparents will do sometimes.