4 minute read
ETIQUESTIONS
Dr. Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa
I have been enjoying your Etiquette article for months now, but I am always wondering...what exactly is etiquette? I mean, I understand that there are rules and processes to follow, but I don’t really know what Etiquette is about. This concept is very new to me, and I am very interested because I find myself attending many social and professional functions, and I feel like I might have some things to learn about proper table manners, etc. Thanks for the great articles; they are helping this reader.
Thank you so much for your question and for sharing how the information is helpful to you. Etiquette means behaving in a customary and polite way while engaging with other people in various personal, social, and professional situations. Topics like punctuality and table manners can be sources of frustration for people. Learning proper etiquette can boost your confidence and allow you to enjoy the situation without the worry that you are doing something wrong. Thanks for reading! I hope you continue to learn useful information for your success and happiness.
Since COVID, I have been super sensitive to personal space. I feel like people are crammed into small rooms at social events and gatherings, and it makes me nervous. Is there an etiquette rule about personal space? If so, how do we share that information with others? I feel like people often invade my personal space, and it makes me very uncomfortable
Thank you for your comment and your question. I think many people have paid more attention to personal space issues since COVID. People’s need for personal space varies greatly from person to person. For example, research tells us that people who live in big cities need less personal space than people who live in more rural areas. While there is no exact etiquette rule regarding personal space, a great guide is to allow about 4 feet between you and the next person if you do not know what the person is. It is also worth noting that while we want to maintain a healthy space between us and others, we also want to be mindful about touching other people’s things without permission. Watch body language, and you can usually tell if someone thinks you are invading their personal space. Be mindful and polite, and give people some space if they seem to need/want it.
I have a family member who has become increasingly negative and angry as she has gotten older. While I love her dearly and don’t want to agitate her, she is becoming more and more difficult for me to be around. Are there any etiquette rules for handling such a situation? This family member often accompanies me to social events, and it is getting uncomfortable with her train of thought and conversations. Help, what do I do?
Change the Subject! One of the most powerful etiquette communication lessons is learning how to change the subject in any given conversation in a way that does not seem rude. Changing the subject can be challenging, but it is a powerful skill to have. One of the best ways to change the subject is to select another topic of conversation and just begin talking about it. You can usually begin with, “Oh! Before I forget....” You will want to change the subject to talk about something your family member loves. For example, talk about children or grandchildren, as they can rarely do anything wrong. Changing the subject allows everyone to enjoy time and conversations with each other and is a great way to show consideration for others.
Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa, Ph.D. is a wife, mother, and educator living in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. She is a graduate of Our Lady of the Lake University with a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies. In addition, she holds an Associate of Arts degree in Education from McLennan Community College, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas – Pan American, and a Master of Arts in Educational Supervision from the University of Texas – Pan American. Dr. Baggerly-Hinojosa’s current research is focused on servant leadership, gender issues in leadership, and leadership communication.
