Nissa St Gelais

Hello everyone!

Today’s post is going to be a little different from my usual content but it is something that I have been thinking about a lot lately.

Now that we have reached that time of the year where everyone is giving gifts, having parties and getting married, it is important to remember proper etiquette.

Growing up, my mom taught my sisters and I how to have good manners and be kind. She was always a great example and we still look up to her today.

So here are some of my favorite etiquette tips that everyone should practice…

ALWAYS Say Thank You

This is probably one of the most important rules and should always, always, ALWAYS be practiced! A simple, but meaningful, “thank you” can go a long way with a person. It shows that you appreciate someone’s thought or help.

I know this rule may seem obvious to some but you would be surprised at how many people out there forget and need to be reminded.

If anyone ever does anything for you, whether you asked them to or not, always show your appreciation by saying thank you. I promise, it will only look good in the other persons eyes.

Thank You Notes Will NEVER Go Out Of Style

Now that we are in the age of social media and texting, Thank You Notes seem very “old fashioned”. Personally, I LOVE thank you notes! I think it means a lot more when someone takes the time to write out a personal thank you to someone else.

Don’t get me wrong, texting is much easier and you don’t have to pay for postage.

But, I still write thank you notes for certain events. When I had my wedding, bridal shower and baby shower, I made sure to send out thank you notes to everyone who showed up or gave us a gift/card.

I also make sure to write out thank you notes to those who really enjoy them. For example, my husband’s Filipino grandma, who we call “Lola” is very old-fashioned (and the sweetest little woman ever) and she doesn’t like to use her phone very much. She always goes out of her way to send Jaden, Lexi and I gifts or cards so whenever she does, I make sure to send her a thank you note.

This simple act goes the extra mile to show someone that you appreciate them and what they do for you. So invest in some cute thank you notes!

Put Your Phone Down!

We depend on our phones so much nowadays. Most of us cannot go 30 minutes without checking our phone and if it’s further than 10 feet away, we go nuts.

I mean, chances are, you are reading this on your phone!

The thing to remember with phones is that there is always a right time and very wrong times to be on your phone.

One common wrong time that people seem to forget is when you are spending time with family.

When you are surrounded by family, try your best not to use your phone. Instead, engage with your other family members. Talk to your siblings, cousins, parents, grandparents…anyone around! Be in the moment.

You will never get this time back so use it wisely, especially when it comes to family. Your parents are getting older and everyone is growing up and their lives are changing. Cherish these times and leave your phone in your bag or pocket.

Offer Help When You Can

If you see someone struggling, offer to help when you can and show up when you do. Offer to bring some soup for someone who may be sick. Offer to provide dinner to the new parents who just welcomed their new baby into the world. Or even offer to provide some company to someone who may seem unlike themselves lately.

Life gets crazy all of the time and everyone has their hard days, so it’s good to help a person when you can. Who knows, maybe if you’re the one having the hard day, someone will return the favor!

Watch Your Cursing

This is something even I have to remind myself sometimes!

Often times, people say “they are just words” and while that is true, words can also carry heavy meaning behind them.

In our world today, cursing has become the “cool” thing to do. I can’t even walk through a store without hearing young teenagers using curse words in their general conversations.

Jaden and I both curse, although we try our best not to, especially around our daughter. If we do, we are quick to remind each other to be careful about the language we are using.

I obviously won’t sit here and tell you “don’t ever say curse words ever ever ever!” but know your surroundings and when it is definitely not appropriate. For example, around children, elders and large groups where you don’t know if that kind of language will offend someone or not. Be mindful.

Also, I have read that studies have shown that too much cursing makes people uncomfortable and shows a lack of intelligence. Not to say that people who curse are not smart. It just comes off that way.

So try not to do it. In all honesty, they are just unnecessary words.

If You Are Invited To A Wedding, Always Send a Card/Gift

If someone invites your to their special day, it’s a big deal. This person is inviting you to spend a very important and special day with them.

Whether you are able to attend or not, make sure to send a gift or card to the couple. Weddings, in general, are very pricy and most times, the family doesn’t get back what they paid for.

So show your support by providing a gift or at the very least, a card.

If You Are Invited to a Dinner/Other Event, Bring a Treat

This is something that I would really like to work on!

I always found it thoughtful when people would bring a dessert or other treat to a special dinner or event they were invited to.

I know a lot of people like to bring a bottle of wine, but you can also bring a pie, cookies, or any other little side as a little “thank you for inviting us”.

Master the “Small Talk”

This is something I have had to learn over the years! I have always been a pretty social person so I have never struggled with being surrounded by strangers and worrying about what to say or do. Although, I can be shy, but I try to avoid being on my phone or sitting on the sidelines.

As embarrassing as it is to admit, I spend A LOT of time on social media. I love seeing what other people are doing and getting a glimpse into their lives. I am also super nosy! But I use this to my advantage when talking to people in person.

If I saw that someone went to a concert or bought a new car or even bought new pillows for their couch, I will talk to them about it! It makes people feel good to know that you noticed or care about what is going on in their lives.

Something I learned in my years of studying Psychology, is that people LOVE talking about themselves. Not in a selfish way, really, it’s just that they are experts about their own lives so it comes natural! When you take an interest in someone else’s life, it makes you more likable in return because you come off as easy to talk to and caring.

Typically, it will prompt the other person to ask about your life as well so you also get your time to shine.

If you are meeting someone for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity to get to know them and for them to get to know you. Just always remember not to talk too much about yourself and always ask questions! It makes you seem more interested and give the other person a chance to elaborate more.

Hopefully you found this post helpful, especially in time for the holidays!