Successful Dating at University and College

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on February 1st, 2014

With Valentine’s Day approaching, many people’s thoughts turn to love and romance.That is equally true for young adults attending university or college. Even though there is a lot of work, everyone needs a break and it can be nice to share those times with someone special. Universities are filled with potential partners and it is a great opportunity to meet new people.

Whether at university or anywhere else, following the rules of etiquette for dating shows respect and consideration for others — and that is attractive. If you pay attention to these simple rules and conventions, you will be more successful and confident dating both on and off the university campus.

Watch your distance.
Everyone has an area around them that is their personal space and if other people get too close, the person will feel uncomfortable and not even know why.  The specific size of the space varies between cultures and individuals, but In North America, most people require about two feet of personal space. When you are talking to someone, keep a comfortable distance between you. If you move closer and the person steps away or looks uncomfortable, take a step backward to allow them more personal space. When you allow people the space they need, they tend to feel more comfortable spending time with you.

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Back to School Bus Etiquette

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on September 2nd, 2013

school busIf your children take a school bus or public transit to school, make bus etiquette part of your back to school preparations. After relaxing throughout the summer, your children have probably fallen out of their school routines including their bus etiquette. Start by waking them a little earlier each day to practice for those early mornings and to ensure they will be on time for the bus. Read more »

Tips for Making Family Time Fun

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on April 26th, 2013

childIf you have children, it can be easy to fall into a pattern of rushing from place to place, nagging and cajoling them to do chores and homework, or zoning out into your own world to de-stress in front of the TV or behind a newspaper. When we are rushed and under stress, we often forget about the big picture. Children are not young forever. They quickly outgrow our company and want to spend more time with their own friends, and eventually they grow up and leave home.

To build a close relationship with your children and spouse, it is important to spend quality time together. Don’t let work and life stresses take over and ruin your most important relationships. Read more »

What Is a Good Age to Start Teaching Manners?

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on February 26th, 2013

Any age is a good age. One is never too young or too old to learn good manners. Start how you mean to go on and start today!

I was recently on an international flight from Europe to Vancouver. A relatively long haul even for the best seasoned traveller. In the row in front of me sat a young couple and their adorable 18 month old son whom, unfortunately, had the most awful cough and cold. While my heart went out to the poor little chap who was coughing and sneezing away into thin air I also felt sorry for my fellow travellers, especially those prone to respiratory infections. Read more »

Get Ready for School with a Bus Etiquette Review

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on August 29th, 2011

If your children take a school bus or public transit to school, make bus etiquette part of your back to school preparations. After relaxing throughout the summer, your children have probably fallen out of their school routines including their bus etiquette. Start by waking them a little earlier each day to practice for those early mornings and to ensure they will be on time for the bus. Here are a few more bus etiquette tips to review with your children: Read more »

Is a Gift Required for the Bride and Groom when attending an Engagement Party put on by the Bride’s Mother?

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on June 13th, 2011

The decision of whether one wants to give a gift, or not, is always at the discretion of the guest. However, that being said, it is customary to take a small gift, for the Bride and Groom, to the Engagement Party.

Taking into consideration the couple’s taste in decor eg: Traditional, Contemporary etc. you may consider one of the following gifts appropriate and easy on the budget:

  • A nice Picture Frame – Made from Crystal, wood, metal. There are some really unique ones on the market today.
  • A Vase – for all those flowers the groom will be buying! Consider a Bud Vase or one suitable for a small bunch of flowers.
  • A Photograph Album – Yes, people still use them for their favourite photo’s, on the Coffee Table.
  • If you have a photograph of the happy couple in their younger years or when they first met, put a copy on the first page as a memento.

A gift we were given on our Engagement – A small crystal dish in the shape of a half- moon (crescent shape). It can be used to serve after dinner chocolates or to hold soap or jewelry in the bathroom. It has remained one of my favourite gifts, given to us by a work colleague of mine. Small but, special.

If you are really unsure of what to buy, you can always consider a pre-paid Visa/Mastercard which can be purchased from several local shops. Ultimately, remember, it is always the thought that counts the most.

Elizabeth

Bike Month and Road Bike Etiquette

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on June 6th, 2011

In British Columbia, June is Bike Month. During this month, many organizations and government agencies host or sponsor bicycling events intended to encourage people to bike more and drive less. (You can get more information and see a list of upcoming events at the Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) Bike Month website).

Increasing the number of bikes on the roads (and reducing the number of cars) has many benefits — for the environment, for individuals, and for our communities — but it’s not without its own challenges.

One of the challenges is sharing the roadways and the somewhat tenuous relationship between motorists and bicyclists. The differences in the speed of travel and the ability of bicycles to slip silently between cars has led to much frustration on the part of vehicle drivers, while inattentive drivers and the potential for harm generates fear and anger among bicyclists. However, much of this conflict could be solved through basic etiquette – on both sides.

Bicycle Etiquette for Drivers

  • Be aware of your surroundings and watch for smaller vehicles, such as bicycles and motorcycles, especially in and around intersections.
  • Use caution when passing cyclists in the same lane. Slow down and move a far as possible to the left to give the cyclist as much room as possible. If there is a left lane, consider changing lanes before passing.
  • When parallel parking along a roadway, park as close to the curb as possible to leave room for cyclists riding to the left of parked cars.
  • When parked along a roadway, check for cyclists before opening your car door.
  • When making a right turn, stop before entering the intersection and check for cyclists both coming from behind on the right side of your vehicle and coming from the left across the intersection.
  • Avoid using roadways designated as Bike Routes as thoroughfares. Treat them as local access routes and, remember that in BC, these routes have a speed limit of 30 km/hour.
  • Do not honk your horn at a cyclist. The sudden, loud noise may distract them so they lose control of their bike.

Riding Etiquette for Cyclists

  • Know the rules of the road and follow them.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t distract yourself by listening to an ipod or radio while riding.
  • Ride as far to the right as possible, but give yourself enough room to ride safely and stay out of the way of car doors being opened in front of you.
  • When riding with other cyclists, ride in single file, not side by side.
  • When riding on a Bike Route, remember that you must still share the road with other vehicles and the same riding etiquette applies.
  • Signal your intentions and be predictable.
  • If you become aware of a car wanting to pass, move as far as possible to the right to give them as much room as possible.

Roadways are intended to accommodate many vehicle types as well as pedestrians.

No matter how you are travelling, a little courtesy and respect goes a long way towards improving the safety and enjoyment of travelling on roadways for everyone.

Top 10 Tips for Planning the Perfect Wedding!

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on May 16th, 2011

Just the thought of planning a Wedding can be overwhelming and stressful for most people. Not sure where to start? Start with these Top 10 Tips as a foundation for your “To Do” List:

  1. Permission to Marry – Start off on the right footing and future in-laws, on both sides, will be happy. It is customary for the future groom to visit the future bride’s father and ask permission to marry his daughter. If it is not possible to ask the father, he should ask her mother or next of kin.
  2. Where the marriage will take place – Once it has been agreed the marriage will take place, the couple should decide on where they wish to be married. A Church, a Temple or a Registry Office. If they choose a Church it is normally one close to the bride’s home.
  3. Book Early – This cannot be emphasised enough. The Vicar or Priest should be contacted immediately to discuss the reading of the banns and book a date. This is often done as early as a year in advance, in order to get the date you want.
  4. Cost, who pays? – Traditionally the bride’s parents pay. However, owing to the exorbitant cost in today’s society sometimes one has to compromise. It is often suggested that the groom or his family pay for the drinks at the Reception. A Cash Bar is also commonly used, and most acceptable, with drinks for the various toasts and wine with dinner being provided by those paying.
  5. Dress for the Wedding – Traditionally the bride, or the father of the bride, buys the bride’s dress. Sometimes the dress is handed down through the generations, from mother to daughter. Today, it is also common for the bride to hire her wedding gown.
    The majority of men hire a suit or Tuxedo for the occasion.
    Often the bride will pay for the bridesmaid’s dresses. However, owing to the cost, it is also acceptable for the bridesmaid’s to buy their own.
  6. Essential bookings – At the earliest possible date, book the transportation for the bride and family to the Church and to the Reception. Also transportation for after the reception is of utmost importance to ensure there is no drinking and driving.
  7. The Photographer – To avoid disappointment book the Photographer as soon as possible. A year in advance is advisable.
  8. The Reception & the catering – Book 6 months to one year in advance.  Owing to mishaps that can occur eg: double bookings make sure you visit the place of choice closer to the date and check the catering for food quality.
  9. The Entertainment – While the Entertainment should be booked well ahead of time, take into consideration the range of the age group taking part in the festivities, before you make your choice. The party will most likely consist of the young and the elderly – all looking forward to taking part on this happy occasion.
  10. The Gift Opening – Traditionally the gift opening is done the day after the wedding day, usually at the bride’s home or other place of choice.

Don’t procrastinate, set the date!

Grace in Hockey and Other Sports

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on May 2nd, 2011

The Vancouver Canucks have just won a challenging round against the Chicago Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup playoffs and the city has been abuzz with the excitement of the games. Everywhere you look someone is wearing a Canucks jersey, complete strangers are discussing the games, and Canucks flags are flying on top of buildings and from many car windows. I even saw a model of Roberto Luongo, the Canucks goalie, in full goalie regalia mounted in front of a net on top of a car driving around the city.

I love hockey and it’s fun to see the team spirit around the city. Sports, whether you are playing or watching, have much to teach about life and manners –working together as a team, hard work and perseverance, giving your best no matter how dire the circumstance, winning – and losing – with grace, and most of all, good sportsmanship.

It’s great to show your team spirit: cheer on your team, wear the jersey, and get excited when they’re doing well, but it is also important to keep things in perspective and not lose our heads when we lose a game. In life, not everyone will always be on your team and you won’t always be on the winning team, and that’s okay. What’s not okay is to denigrate people on the opposing team or to be physically or verbally aggressive. Even if your team doesn’t win, rejoice in the good fortune of those who do and appreciate the skill of others – even the players on the other team.  Losing is disappointing, but don’t let your own disappointment overwhelm the situation and ruin the fun for everyone.

Go Canucks Go!

Lent and Respecting Others’ Personal Choice

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on April 18th, 2011

Recently, I was having lunch in a restaurant and overheard someone explaining how they had given up dessert for Lent. I was reminded of how fortunate we are to live in a multicultural society where people have differing beliefs and customs.

For those not familiar with Lent, it is a period of penitence observed by Christians before Easter. In general, Lent starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday, and it is customary for many Christians to give up a favourite food or activity during this time. Lent is largely a personal choice based on faith and may be observed in different ways depending on the person’s church or denomination.

It is the differences between people that make life interesting.

Whether you agree with their decision or not, it is always good manners to be respectful of others’ beliefs and customs. If someone is fasting or has decided to refrain from a food or activity, it is polite to be respectful of their choice. Do not attempt to convince them to change their mind or tease them into “having just a little”. Children may also need reminders to respect others’ beliefs and traditions and not tease anyone whose beliefs differ from their own.

It is the differences between people that make life interesting. Being open and accepting of others is not only good manners, it is an opportunity to learn more about the other people in our lives and to create a real community.

Kind regards,
Elizabeth

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