Articles

The etiquette of making (and keeping) a promise

by Jay Remer, the Etiquette Guy A handshake is as good as a promise. Well, at least it used to be. I remember when I was a young boy my grandfather explained to me how business deals in the good old days were often concluded with merely a hand shake, which was as good as a signature. It seems that over time the integrity of this informal agreement has sadly all but disappeared. It can be very disheartening for someone who has honorable intentions to be painted with the same broad brush as the unscrupulous. And in our changed world people are skeptical. erring on the side of caution. The verbal promise sealed with a handshake is no longer the acceptable way.
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Applying makeup in public: not so genteel

by Prunella de Pedant Call me old-fashioned, but I believe that there are some things we do for ourselves that should remain behind closed doors. Applying makeup is one such activity. Perhaps, it's because I believe that lipstick, blush and mascara belong in one's handbag or boudoir - not brought out to be shared with strangers in a moving carriage.
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Please stop flicking your cigarette butts (it's rude)

By Jay Remer, the Etiquette Guy Only a short while ago, a friend commented on how disgusted he was looking out his office window and watching a group of people smoking, huddled around the front entrance to another building. What irked him was the careless disposal of their cigarette butts onto the sidewalk or into the street.
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Just say NO: sometimes it's the kindest word to hear

By Jean Bernard Talon While socially it may seem more genteel to say 'yes', saying 'no' may be more appropriate in certain situations.
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Tipping etiquette during poor economic times

By Dana Gornitzki Just because tough times call for leaner spending, there is no excuse to cut back on tips when you do consume. Basic etiquette must kick in, and your judgement only calls for common sense.
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Don't spread germs!

By Dana Gornitzki Practising proper hygiene is an important part of proper social graces. Escalate a lack of hygiene to a possible pandemic, and you have a more pressing matter on your hands. Think this is something new?
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Cinema Etiquette - some lovely little reminders

It's date night, but you've forgotten what a train wreck the cinema can be for manners. From a kick to the back of your chair to the crunch of popcorn, not to mention that couple
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The Etiquette of Making Small Talk

By Jay Remer, the Etiquette Guy There's a real art to making small talk at a social gathering, dinner party or even a business networkinge event. The mingling and the chatting – dreaded by so many (and we can relate!), but truly an art.
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The importance of punctuality

by Prunella de Pedant Modern times can be most hurried and busy, busy, busy. However, the importance of punctuality should never be underestimated - showing up on time to an appointment (social or business) is the mark of a truly well-mannered gentlewoman or gentleman. It wasn't too long ago that we set a date, time and place for a rendez-vous. No possibility of telephoning from one's mobile handset, sending a text communique, or reaching the other person(s) with one's internet cannon device. Yes, we were expected to show up - on time. Yet, it seems that even with the increasing number of newfangled gadgetry that tardiness has become one of the worst diseases of our times. Tsk tsk.
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The etiquette of holiday greetings

By Dana Gornitzki It's that festive time of the year – you can just feel the merriment and that lovely sense of nostalgia in the air. In this modern age, we still love to stick to our traditions - we all have them, and it's possibly that one time of the year where we reach out to our friends and family. Sending an e-card is never the same. Getting a digital card, email or text cannot replace the pleasure of receiving a hand-written card.
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Diary Dates

Join Hendrick's Library of Delightfully Peculiar Writings for Unusual Book-worming shenaningans at the Brighton Fringe from May 17 - 27. As part of this literary residence, taxidermist Lee Paton will be hosting 'Stuffing Peter Rabbit', renowned gastronomic architects Bompas & Parr's will be creating a 'Literary Feast' and Damian Barr's now legendary Literary Salon returns.

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Charm School

Thank you for welcoming MIEN Magazine's Charm School with such warmth and enthusiasm. We have enjoyed meeting so many charming ladies and gentlemen, and look forward to many more delightful sessions with you in summer/autumn 2012. We shall be hosting a lovely selection of classes and events, and would love to keep in close contact with you so we can update you with our news. Please do watch this space and sign up to our newsletter for more updates.

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