What is Etiquette?

The word "etiquette" can be perceived by different people in absolutely different ways. If you begin talking about etiquette, some people may get frightened and run away expecting that you might immediately go on criticizing their table manners. The reaction of other people may be reflected through a patronizing smile and looking around for a conversation partner more adapted to the 21-century life. Some people may even get annoyed and begin an open confrontation as they associate etiquette with arrogance and narrow-mindedness.

Unfortunately, the majority of people have no idea about the real meaning of this noble word. If the person discredits somebody else for using the wrong knife, he in his turn gives an example of utterly bad manners. When someone really wants to be polite to others, he tries to make sure that everyone fully enjoys his or her rights. If you aim to understand the true meaning of "Etiquette" you realize that it should serve to make our communication with everybody if not always cheerful but at least tolerable. The rules of etiquette make social and personal interaction easier and help people overcome and avoid getting into awkward situations. For example, if someone has good table manners, his knowledge should be a little deeper than just using the correct knife. A well-mannered person knows how to keep away from disgusting, annoying or amazing people he is having dinner with, restaurant workers or just passers-by. From this point of view, etiquette represents a coordinated way to show your respect for other people in your community. The norms of behavior may have been changed according to modern times notions, but they inevitably join us to history and help us to become a part of our community and society without destroying our inside harmony.

Recently, we have been coming through significant changes concerning our dealing with other people. Some of these changes were for the better, but naturally there were also changes for the worse. The modern society has got rid of many social prejudices and illnesses such as racism or sexism but it excluded a lot of civility as well. It happens so that modern, intelligent, polite people - and especially lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people - are by inevitability rule-breakers, who are obliged to face a large and sometimes obnoxious part of society and prove everybody that they are wrong about their lives. So some people prefer to think that the existing rules have nothing to do with them forgetting that good manners may be extremely beneficial for us. When etiquette is perceived correctly, it becomes the power that protects your personality and makes sure that everyone - social bisexuals, gays, lesbian mothers and so on - is treated with respect.

It may seem difficult to realize that good manners are free and available to everyone. It is not so important to know where to put your butter knife if you don’t have to use it, but it is great to keep in mind that respect and interest for all life manifestations is the basis for good manners and it will help everybody not to get lost in their peculiarities. No doubt it's much easier to feel relaxed and enjoy your time when you're ready to behave yourself well in any situation. People with good manners know the major but very simple secret - they're more popular, more successful because other people like them.