"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.
I agree with most of these except for the phone. If it's just on the table I don't care, unless it gets in the way of me getting to my food/plate. Emergencies happen, it is good to have your phone nearby for this purpose but it should not be used at the table for any other reason. I always say to each their own, if you want to it's not my business. I think just being a good person goes a long way.
I feel a hand written note is always nice for a thank you. You can't go wrong always doing. It.
I agree mostly. I do take leftovers, if there's a lot, but I offer to the host first. Regarding the gift though (#3) I feel like an established couple equals 1 entry. At first though I read the question about sharing a tab and I thought it was incredibly unfair that the single person would pay half the bill. I think really, if going in on a gift that perhaps a discussion first is best so that no individual (single or partnered) feels they have to give beyond their means.
I agree with all of the responses. Especially no cell phone during dinner time. I personally think is so rude. I want to enjoy dinner with my family without any distraction s.
I agree with all of these! But while I do agree with the thank you note etiquette, I do believe that if you get a gift then sometimes a thank you given in person is sometimes better and a lot more personal.
Being honest and being polite, that's always been the way to do it imo :)
I totally agree with these statements. I feel like with technology these days a lot of etiquette has gone out the window. When I gave out thank you cards for my daughters birthday gifts, people asked me "what's this?!" I was shocked they didnt even expect to be thanked!
Yes, thank-you notes are necessary, hand-written if possible, for gifts from special events.
I love how even thought my husband eats faster than me he sits and stays at the dinner table until I am done , we have always thought it was nice etiquette to not leave a person alone
I agree with all of them! Still waiting for a thank you note from a baby shower 😕
I try to be kind and thoughtful in doing and in words when decline or accepted a offer. Manners never go out of style grace go long ways.
I agree with these but for number 1 I think it depends on who the get together is with. Let's say you have a cook out at your sister's if she doesn't mind you could take it home. At a lot of our get togethers someone will leave half of what is left and take home their dish.
The thank you notes are a nice touch (especially nowadays!) The phone on thhe table is bad because it shows how connected to our devices we really are (yikes!)
Yes, I agree with all of these. The thank you notes are especially important.
I agree with all the above. What are your thoughts on inviting someone to dinner, do you think they should offer to bring something other than wine? and should they than invite you over to dinner sometime in exchange?