Visiting someone's home
What do I do when I enter or leave someone's home?
What is "acknowledge the parents or others present. "Hello Mr. Jones. Hi Jimmy. How are you doing?' or 'Goodbye Mrs. Hansen. Thanks for letting me hang out with James.' Don't just sneak in or out without saying anything."
What do you do when someone extends their hand?
What is extend your hand, smile, and shake firmly?
What if I need to use my phone or other electronic device?
What is "Silence it! Use your earbuds, headphones, subtitles, etc. If you are in public, the sound should be off. No one wants to listen to your conversation, music, podcast, movie, etc."
What is "only when each person included has an interest in the specific topic. Good examples are sports teams, church classes, carpools, etc. "
What should I do when someone is giving me a ride?
What is "if a parent is driving, acknowledge them. Say hello, thank you, and goodbye. Don't just jump on your phone. Acknowledge everyone in the car."
Should I wear shoes in someone else's house?
What is "just ask! 'Should I remove my shoes?'" Then politely adhere to the rule.
What do you say when you meet someone new and don't know their name?
What is "introduce yourself. 'I don't think we've met. My name is Hilary. What's your name?'"
How do I approach a group of people?
What is "introduce yourself. If you only know 1 or 2 in the group, introduce yourself to everyone else. If you know everyone except 1 or 2 people, introduce yourself to them. Acknowledge everyone. If you need to talk to only 1 or 2 people, ask them to come find you when they're finished. Don't pull people away."
What is "text them individually. If the whole groups needs the info, that's fine, but if only a few need it, do it individually."
What is appropriate at a restaurant?
What is "no phones on the table--just put them away. Use eye contact and smile when ordering. Order clearly. Know how you like your meat cooked and what side dish you want. Don't leave the server just standing there waiting for you. Say thank you for refills. Leave a tip."
What if my friend's little brother or Grandma is there?
What is "acknowledge them and be kind. Say hello or instigate light conversation. Use age appropriate language (watch slang) and make sure activities are age appropriate if others are around (no scary movies for with little kids,) etc. Keep noise to an appropriate level."
What is the first thing you do when you text someone unfamiliar?
What's the rule on doors?
What is "hold the door open for people coming behind you. This is especially important if the person behind you is carrying something, in a wheelchair, has a stroller, etc.
How should I invite people to an event?
What is "be inclusive. Don't exclude 1 or 2 people. There's always room for 1 more."
What should I do about eating at someone else's house?
What is "keep food and drinks in the kitchen. If you're invited for a meal, ask how you can help (set the table, chopping vegetables, etc.). Pitch in and fill a need."
What it the first thing you do when you call an acquaintance or someone you don't know well (or at all)?
What is "identify yourself. 'Hello, this is Hilary Goetz calling." "Hi Mr. Smith. This is Hilary Goetz. May I speak to Jane please?'"
When can I use my earbuds?
What if I have a lot of information to share?
What is "be concise. Use efficient, clear, and direct information. Don't send paragraph after paragraph or lots of texts in a row. If you have a lot of information, a phone call or an email would be more appropriate."
How should I decline an invitation?
What is "decline kindly." Don't ignore or ghost anyone. Answer in a timely manner so they know. You could say, 'Thanks for the invite. I'm sad I can't make it this time' or 'I wish I didn't already have plans."
How do I respect the home and property of others?
What is "observe the shoe policy. Don't put your feet on the furniture. Don't lie on decorative pillows. Stay in common areas (don't go into bedrooms). Clean up your messes. If you break something, replace it."
What do you do when you are finished with a telephone call or an email?
What is "end the conversation. Say goodbye or write an ending statement. Don't just hang up or push send."
What does it mean to be present?
What is "Put your phone away. If you are in the room with someone, they take priority. Be engaged with the people there, rather than thinking about what's going on somewhere else. If it is absolutely necessary to check your phone, tell the others that you're expecting an important message. Step out of the room to take the call/text."
Who should I include in a group text?
What is "only people who are involved or need the information. That being said, excluding 1 or 2 friends from a group of 10 is rude and can be very hurtful. If you are sharing sensitive information, be very careful. Is it completely necessary? Is it something you would say to someone face-to-face? Will the information incite drama? Remember nothing online is private."
What if I'm running late to an appointment?
What is "be on time! If you are perpetually late, make adjustments to your routines. If there's no way to avoid being late, notify the person/group as soon as possible. Thank others for waiting."