I love your sensible approach to this, Lydia, and agree with everything. I especially appreciated the tip not to arrive early. I am almost never ready for guests until the designated time (and sometimes not even then), but an arrival earlier than a couple of minutes is not thoughtful.
Thank you, Elizabeth, for your kind words about my article. You have known me long enough to know that I don’t want my take on manners to sound stuffy and aloof. I prefer my readers to think of manners as being courteous and respectful. Like you and others, nothing throws me off kilter more than that guest who shows up early.
Yes, I love that your guidance is always a lovely balance of heart and head. You never come across as stuffy or aloof.
But I admit the only one of your suggestions that I struggle with is not licking my fingers when I’m eating BBQ ribs. If there are plenty of paper napkins, great, but I hate to get that BBQ sauce on someone’s cloth napkins. ;-)
Whew, and just in the nick of time Lydia! I've been invited to a community cookout. Not exactly business, but I am concerned about making a good impression. Thanks and welcome back!
Jerry, I am glad you received my article in time for the cookout and particularly happy that you found it helpful. My goal in writing Manners that Matter is for my readers to find my advice valuable whether they are in a social or business situation. Enjoy the cookout while you remember those who gave their lives so we gather at events like these.
This is the perfect time for an article about summer events. It's easy to forget that good manners always has a place at the table.
Bonnie, you are so right that good manners always have a place at the table regardless of where that table is.
I love your sensible approach to this, Lydia, and agree with everything. I especially appreciated the tip not to arrive early. I am almost never ready for guests until the designated time (and sometimes not even then), but an arrival earlier than a couple of minutes is not thoughtful.
Thank you, Elizabeth, for your kind words about my article. You have known me long enough to know that I don’t want my take on manners to sound stuffy and aloof. I prefer my readers to think of manners as being courteous and respectful. Like you and others, nothing throws me off kilter more than that guest who shows up early.
Yes, I love that your guidance is always a lovely balance of heart and head. You never come across as stuffy or aloof.
But I admit the only one of your suggestions that I struggle with is not licking my fingers when I’m eating BBQ ribs. If there are plenty of paper napkins, great, but I hate to get that BBQ sauce on someone’s cloth napkins. ;-)
Sometimes we have to break the rules in the name of common sense. 😊
Whew, and just in the nick of time Lydia! I've been invited to a community cookout. Not exactly business, but I am concerned about making a good impression. Thanks and welcome back!
Jerry, I am glad you received my article in time for the cookout and particularly happy that you found it helpful. My goal in writing Manners that Matter is for my readers to find my advice valuable whether they are in a social or business situation. Enjoy the cookout while you remember those who gave their lives so we gather at events like these.