Manners+Stories

flat
 * Manners Stories **

= A Letter Soup = Once upon a time there was a very evil and unpleasant crook who only ever thought about how to get money. Seeing anyone happy bothered the crook enormously. What he hated most was when people were polite and courteous to each other, saying things like please and thank you, and don't mention it. It annoyed him even more if they were smiling when they said these things.

The crook thought all those kinds of words were a useless waste, and weren't good for anything. So what he did was spend a lot of time inventing a machine which could steal words. With this machine, he planned to steal 'please', 'thank you', 'don't mention it', and similar words people used to be polite. He was convinced that no one would notice if those words were to suddenly disappear. When he had stolen these words, he intended to take them apart and sell the letters to book publishers.

After he started up his machine, people would open their mouths, intending to say kind and polite things, but nothing came out. All those words ended up inside the big machine. Just as the crook had hoped, in the beginning nothing happened. It looked like people really didn't need to be polite after all. However, after a while, people started to feel like they were always in a bad mood, doing everything reluctantly, and feeling like everyone else was being forever demanding of them. So, within a few days, everyone was angry and arguing over the slightest little thing.

The crook was terribly happy with his success, but he didn't count on a couple of very special little girls. Those girls were deaf, and had to communicate using sign language. Now, because the machine couldn't steal gestures, these girls continued being kind and polite. Soon they realised what had been happening to everyone else, and they found out about the crook and his wicked plan. The girls followed him to his hideout on the top of a hill next to the sea. There they found the enormous machine busy separating all the words into letters. The crook had gone to take a nap, so the girls crept up to the machine and started being polite and courteous to each other.

Try as it might, the contraption couldn't steal those words, and it started to suffer a power overload, which got more and more serious as the girls went on communicating. Finally, it exploded, sending all the letters it had gathered flying into the sky. These letters started coming down, like rain, and most ended up in the sea. After that, everyone could be polite and thoughtful again. The anger and the arguments stopped, proving that good manners are very useful for keeping people together in a spirit of happiness.

Seeing all those letters fall into the sea gave those two little girls an idea. A little while later they opened a factory. Making alphabetti spaghetti soup!

=Sack of Smiles= One day, Miss Ellis gave her pupils a new assignment: an assignment on happiness. Her pupils would be "happiness collectors", and were to see what would happen when they tried to bring happiness to those around them. As part of their assignment, all the students did really delightful, wonderful things, but what Carla Chalmers did left everyone gobsmacked. Several days after the assignment had been handed out, Carla turned up carrying a big sack. "Here in this bag I have all the happiness I've collected so far," she said, smiling.

On seeing this, everyone was filled with expectation, but Carla didn't want to show anyone what was in the sack. Instead, she pulled out a small box and gave it to her teacher. When Miss Ellis had taken the box, Carla took an instant camera out of her own pocket and stood with it at the ready.

"Open it, Miss Ellis."

The teacher slowly opened the box and looked inside. A big smile shone on her face, and at that moment Carla snapped a photo. Carla's photo popped out the camera, and she offered it to Miss Ellis along with a sheet of paper. The teacher read the paper in silence, and when she had finished she gestured over at the sack. "Oh, so it's...."

"Yes!" interrupted Carla, undoing the knot which sealed the sack, "It's a great big pile of smiles!"

She opened the sack and hundreds of photos fell out, all of different smiles, each one of them beautiful.

The rest of the class tried to work out how Carla had managed to create such a great big chain of happiness. All there was in the box was a photo of a big smile. But everyone who had seen it had felt happiness being transmitted to them, and in return, without even thinking about it, every person had responded with a smile of their own.

With all her classmates now smiling, Carla took a photo of each one of them. She gave them their own photo along with a slip of paper, which asked them to do the same with other people, and to send a copy of the photos to her home address. And for months afterwards, Carla's post box was always full to the brim with photos of happy, smiling people.

And so it was that she managed to spread understanding of the simple truth that every time you smile you are sending a gift to the world.

=The Magic Tree= A long, long time ago a little boy was walking through a park. In the middle of the park there was a tree with a sign on it. The sign said "I am a magic tree. Say the magic words and you will see."

The boy tried to guess the magic words. He tried abracadabra, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, tan-ta-ra, and many more... but none of them worked.

Exhausted, he threw himself on the floor, saying: "Please, dear tree!" and suddenly, a big door opened in the trunk. Inside everything was dark, except for a sign which said "Carry on with your magic." Then the boy said "Thank you, dear tree!" With this, the inside of the tree lit up brightly and revealed a pathway leading to a great big pile of toys and chocolate.

The little boy brought all his friends to the magic tree, and they had the best party ever. This is why people always say that "please" and "thank you" are the magic words.

=History of Manners= **How Etiquette Began** As prehistoric people began to interact with one another, they learned to behave in ways that made life easier and more pleasant. Manners had a practical purpose. Then early civilizations developed rules for proper social conduct. **The French Did It** Much of today's formal etiquette originated in the French royal court during the 1600-1700's. The nobles who lived at court did not work, and so they developed elaborate social customs mostly to avoid becoming bored. The nobles drew up a list of proper social behavior and called it an etiquette. This word came from an old French word meaning ticket. This code of behavior soon spread to other European courts and eventually was adopted by the upper classes throughout the Western world.

**Etiquette 101?** From the 1500's through the early 1900's, children learned etiquette at school. Children were advised on such points as **Past to Present** Over the years, people were expected to follow an increasingly complicated set of rules. Many of the rules seem silly today. In Western countries in the 1800's, a young man could not speak to a young woman he knew until she had first acknowledged him. Little girls curtsied and little boys bowed when introduced to someone. Not many years ago, when a young man and a young woman went out on a date, she was expected to sit quietly in the car while he walked around it to open her door and help her out.
 * the proper way of kneeling before their teachers,
 * the value of remaining silent until spoken to, and
 * using a dinner knife as a toothpick!

**Etiquette Today** Since the 1960's, manners have become much more relaxed. Etiquette today is based on treating everyone with the same degree of kindness and consideration, and it consists mostly of common sense. It is helpful to know some rules about how to behave in certain situations-if only because this makes life more comfortable for you and makes you more self-confident in social situations.

=When did we stop saying "you're welcome?"= (Newser) – Matt Zoller Seitz has a problem with "no problem." The phrase has replaced "you're welcome" about as definitively as cars replaced the horse and buggy, and it irks him "to an extent that cannot be captured in print without the use of capital letters, boldface, italics and multiple exclamation points." So here's the issue, in plain, cranky English: "The phrase implies an imposition on the part of the person saying, 'Thank you.'" Replying "no problem" is basically code for, "What I did for you was not the sacrifice you so charmingly believe it to be," he writes for Salon.

=Artist Gives NYC's Subway Riders a Lesson in Manners= (Newser) – Call him the 21st-century Emily Post: Artist Jason Shelowitz is out to teach New York City subway riders that groping, sneezing, preaching, and littering is totally uncool. Shelowitz quizzed passengers on their pet peeves and made the top 10 into pretty humorous posters in the style of the transit authority's own, Gawker reports. He's been plastering them throughout the system this week.

"Nail Clipping," is the theme of one poster. "Under no circumstance is the subway the right place for this. The sound is incredibly annoying and the little nail bits go flying all over the place. Keep it at home, please. It's crazy that this even had to be mentioned." Have a look at the full set of posters:













=Grumpy Berliners Learn to Smile= (Newser) – Berlin may not be a city of churlish insults and bad manners much longer. Long known for the rudeness of its residents, the German capital is on a “friendliness offensive,” //Der Spiegel// reports. Pegged to its annual tourism convention, Berlin’s campaign aims to boost the number of smiles in streets and other public forums. More than 3,000 civil servants have already signed up.

It’s not the first time Berlin has attempted an image makeover: The city encouraged its citizens to smile for the 2006 World Cup, but the results were short-lived. While Berlin has a history of finding a silver lining in its negative traits, it’s still hoping to tone down its gruff exterior. The hope “is to make the city a bit friendlier,” said a PR rep.

=Late! Late! For a Very Important Date!= //My oldest sister, Kay, is well known for her tardiness, but this last time literally took the wedding cake.//

//We were all invited to a very close and life-long family friend’s wedding. The bride, Linda and her groom, Mark, were both good friends of our family who happened to fall in love and tie the knot. The wedding was a very small and simple but gorgeous outdoor affair with the bride in ivory and the maid of honor in black. The reception followed immediately after, at the same location with a very nice catered buffet. My husband’s family as well as mine were all in attendance, and while we were all congratulating the bride and groom, Linda asked me if Kay were all right as she had noticed her absence, and Kay had RSVP’ed in the positive for herself and Kay’s husband and adult son. We were hoping that Linda hadn’t noticed Kay’s absence, and said we did not know where Kay and her family could be (this was in the days before cell phones were popular). We continued to enjoy the reception, dancing and food.//

//As the reception was winding down, and the caterers were packing away the food, Kay arrived alone dressed in jeans, and rushed over to congratulate Linda and Mark, and apologize for being late but offered no explanation. She also said that she was sorry her husband and son were unable to attend. I was thinking that the wedding was not a good place to RSVP in the negative. Kay came over to greet the rest of us, then took me aside to ask where the food might be. Shocked, I said that I was pretty sure it was either packed away or taken away by the caterers. Kay then ran off to find the caterers, managed to find the lead caterer and asked that the food be unpacked so she could make herself a plate. And if that weren’t bad enough, she then asked for additional plates for her husband and son, as they were unable to come to the wedding. The caterer did help Kay with the plates of food, then afterward, Kay walked over to talk with Linda, all while eating the purloined food and making more excuses for her husband and son, remarkably making this reception about herself. I was not too aghast to rescue Linda from Kay’s bad manners and grabbed my sister for a “sister” dance.//

//All I can say is, I don’t understand how we can be from the same family. I love my sister dearly, but she is clueless when it comes to etiquette. Linda and Mark, on the other hand, never mentioned my sister’s bad manners. They are truly a classy pair. My sister told me later on that she had lost track of the time.//

A few years ago I was interviewed by Bob Morris of the New York Times for an article he was writing on tardiness. As is usual with a media interview, the reporter and I talk a LOT more than what is actually used in the article. Mr. Morris had his own issues with being chronically late to various appointments and meetings. He asked and I told him straight up, “Your tardiness is selfish because it inconveniences others and non-verbally communicate to others that your time is infinitely far more important than theirs.” He was a good sport about it, said he hadn’t really thought of it that way and resolved to try harder.

People who are habitually late are intrinsically merely selfish. Their time and their sloppy management of it is more important than the promise to arrive at a specifically scheduled time. For the person left waiting, time can stand still as they are held captive to the tardy person’s agenda and schedule. Tardy people force others waiting on them to struggle with their feelings of being offended, increase their stress as they try to figure out how to get done what needs to be done in the decreased time, how they are going to shift their schedules in light of this delay, etc.

Being a polite Etiquette Hellion does not mean we become unwitting victims of someone else’s habitual tardiness nor do we facilitate their continued tardiness as if there were no consequences to actions. I plan on serving my dinner party meals about 30 minutes after the scheduled arrival time and I don’t wait for late guests (unless they call me to report a delay due to some unforeseen obstacle like traffic). If someone has arranged to visit my house at 10 am, and they don’t show up until 11 am, I keep to my schedule and inform them that I either now have no time for their visit which must now be rescheduled or we have a very limited time frame due to my other scheduled obligations. Your tardiness does not constitute an emergency on my part to shift my schedule and therefore inconvenience my guests, family or other people I have arranged to interact with that day.

Employees who are habitually late to meetings and with due assignments should not be accommodated but rather written up as being a hindrance to the productivity of the office.

=Dinner with Delia= Five-year-old Tommy was happy to be invited to eat supper with Delia, his friend and neighbor. Delia’s parents prepared such tasty meals—homemade pizzas, fresh tacos, and grilled fish! He wondered what they’d be eating tonight as he rang the doorbell. Delia opened the door, smiled, then ran to her room.

“Hi, Delia,” said a surprised Tommy. “May I come in?” But Delia was nowhere in sight! “Come in, Tommy,” called Delia’s mom, who was roasting chicken in the kitchen. “Delia must have gone to her room. Would you ask her to come and set the table?” “Yes, Mrs. Parker,” said Tommy, following the sounds of a xylophone down the hallway. When he reached Delia’s room, there she was with two xylophone mallets in her hands and a napkin on her head!

“Your mom needs you to set the table,” Tommy said. Do you need help?” “No, but the napkins make good hats, don’t they?” Delia asked. “I can help you put the napkins on the table. Afterward, can I have a turn on the xylophone?” “I’m still playing,” Delia said. “Listen to my song.”

She played for awhile, stopping only when she heard the sound of her mother’s voice calling: “Delia, can you please set the table?” “In a minute,” Delia said. “Did I show you my new Hula Hoop, Tommy?” “No, but maybe we should go set the table,” Tommy said. “Not yet,” answered Delia. “ Watch—I can swing the hoop around my arm!” She began moving her arm in circles to get the hoop going. “DDDDDDDDeeeeeeeeelllllllllliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiaaaaaaaaaaa!” “Coming, Mom!” With the hoop in one hand, Delia motioned to Tommy and began running down the hallway. In fact, she nearly ran into her dad once she reached the living room. “Slow down, Delia,” he said, then waved to Tommy.

“I don’t like chicken,” Delia said when she got to the kitchen. “You ate it last week at dinner,” Delia’s mom reminded her. “But I wanted pizza tonight,” Delia continued. “The chicken looks great to me,” Tommy said, his mouth watering. Delia finally reached for the plates on the counter. “I’ll bring these to the table,” she said.

Tommy carried the silverware and napkins. When the table was set and everyone was seated, Delia told the group about her new friend, Hooper. “He’s my toy hoop, and he’s my best friend,” said Delia, pointing to the hoop hanging on the corner of her chair. “I’ll feed him some mashed potatoes!” “Delia, please put the hoop away. I want YOU to eat the mashed potatoes,” Delia’s mom said.

As Delia shook her head from side to side, she lost her balance in the chair, grabbing for the hoop on her way down. Instead, her fingers grasped the tablecloth, and it began falling to the ground, dishes and all! Two dinner plates were at the very edge of the table when Tommy took a dish in each hand, Delia’s father grabbed the cups to save them, and Delia’s mother lifted Delia from the ground, preventing a waterfall of dishes!

“Oops,” Delia said, watching the wide-eyed faces around her. She gulped. “I’ll take the hoop back to my room,” she said. “After you finish eating,” said Delia’s father. “Yes, Sir,” she answered. “After I finish eating, after I finish clearing the table, and after I help Mom do the dishes.”

Tommy smiled. Thanks to Hooper, Delia had learned an important lesson about [|manners]!

__**Teaching Course:**__

In “Dinner with Delia,” Delia learned the importance of using good manners. **When we use good manners**, **we behave in a way that is kind, polite and respectful to others.** If we remember to treat others the way we’d like to be treated, we show that we [|respect] the people around us, as well as ourselves!

__Discussion Questions:__

When Delia first opened the door and Tommy greeted her, how did she respond? Can you think of some polite ways Delia could have greeted and welcomed Tommy?

Delia’s mom asked for her help in setting the table, but Delia decided she’d rather play with her toys. Why is it important to help our families with chores around the house? For example, working together can help make a job easier to accomplish—and it can certainly be more fun when you work as a team!

When Tommy asked to have a turn playing the xylophone, what was Delia’s answer? Why is it important to share with one another?

Delia finally went to help her mom set the table, but she went running down the hallway to do it, and nearly crashed right into her dad! What are some other ways Delia could have used better behavior? For example, remembering to use walking feet inside the house and not bring toys to the dinner table may have made the evening go more smoothly.

What finally made Delia realize the importance of using good manners at home? After she almost pulled the tablecloth to the ground, how did she offer to help out at home that evening?

What are some ways that you can show good manners at home, at school, and in public?

__Discussion Points:__

Kids can practice using good manners by:


 * Speaking politely to others.** For example, greeting others with with a “Good morning” or “Hello,” saying [|“please” and “thank you,”] and answering “yes, sir” or “ma’am” all show [|kindness] and respect.


 * Taking turns.** Sharing toys with others, being a patient [|waiter], letting a friend finish a thought before talking, and being a [|good sport]when playing a game are all ways to use good manners.


 * Remembering table manners.** Chewing with your mouth closed, pulling out a chair for a friend or parent, putting your napkin in your lap, and eating your food instead of [|playing with it] are all ways to be polite during mealtime.


 * Cleaning up.** When you take out toys or supplies, remember to put them back where you found them! Don’t forget to throw away trash in the wastebasket. It’s a great feeling to keep your space free of clutter.


 * Respecting people nearby.** Using good behavior shows consideration for your friends, family and the people around you. For example, using a calm voice and walking feet when indoors, keeping your hands to yourself and asking permission before touching things that belong to others are all ways to show good manners.


 * PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.** The more you practice using good manners, the easier it gets! Try playing **The Manners Game**! Take a look around you—how many ways can you show good manners in this situation? For example, can you politely greet the people nearby? Can you share your toys with a friend or give a buddy a turn when you’ve finished playing? The next time you sit down to dinner, practice unfolding your napkin and sitting in your chair until you finish your meal. Can you help a friend or parent clean up when you finish an activity?


 * Remember: Manners are a way to say “Let’s all have a super day!”**

=Flag Etiquette=

 The American flag is considered a living entity and never dips to any person or thing. It is the premier symbol of our patriotism and proclaims our country's commitment to freedom. The rules and customs governing the flag's care and display are something that all citizens of the United States can easily learn.

**Care of the Flag**
The American flag should always be handled respectfully, and should be carefully protected in storage and in use so that it won't be damaged. Every precaution should be taken to prevent it from becoming soiled, tattered, or torn. It should not touch the ground, water, or floor. When handling the flag don't let it brush against other objects.  If the flag gets wet, it should be smoothed and hung until dry—never roll, fold, or put it away while still damp. Flags should be dry-cleaned, not washed, and kept in good repair. It's fine to trim and repair ragged edges or re-sew stripes that have separated in the wind.

 According to the United States Flag Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, "The flag, when it is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be retired and destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." Many American Legion Posts provide this service.

**Raising and Lowering the Flag**
The flag should be unfolded or unfurled and raised briskly; it should be lowered slowly and solemnly. Always display the flag with the blue union up, aloft and free. Flying the flag upside down is a distress signal.

**Flying at Half-Staff**
When flown at half-staff, the flag should be hoisted to the peak for a moment and then lowered to the half-staff position; the flag should again be raised to the peak before lowering for the day. On Memorial Day the flag is displayed at half-staff until noon and then raised to full-staff until sunset.

 On land a flag is flown from a staff (pole); at sea a flag is flown from a ship's mast. So, correctly, a flag is at "half-mast" at sea and "half-staff" on land.

**Displaying the Flag**
American flags are out in force on holidays—expecially the Fourth of July, Memorial Day (see above), Flag Day (June 14), and Veterans' Day (November 11). It's proper to fly the flag every day of the year, weather permitting, between sunrise and sunset. It may also be flown at night as part of a patriotic display as long as it is illuminated. Customarily the flag is not flown in inclement weather unless it is made of all-weather material.

 When the flag is flown from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle **from a window sill, balcony or the front of a building **, the union of the flag should go all the way to the peak of the staff, except when flown at half-staff.

 The flag is suspended vertically **over a street **, with the union to the north on an east-west street; to the east on an east-west street. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> When the flag is displayed but not flown from a staff, it should be hung flat **<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">against a wall ** (not tucked or draped), whether indoors or out. The union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, meaning on the observer's left. **<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In a window ** it should be displayed in the same way, with the union to the left of the observer in the street.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> When the flag is used on the chancel or platform **<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">in a house of worship **, it is displayed from a staff and placed on the clergyperson's right (any other flags are on his or her left). When displayed in the seating area of a house of worship, the flag is on the congregation's right as they face the front.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> When used **<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">to cover a casket ** the flag is placed so that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> **<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">On a power boat ** the flag is called an ensign, and is flown from 8 a.m. until sunset. It flies from a staff at the stern when the boat is anchored, or if the boat has a gaff, may be flown from the gaff when under way. The ensign is flown from the stern of a sailboat in the harbor or under power, and may be flown while the boat is under sail.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> **<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">On an automobile ** the flag is called the standard, and is flown on a small staff affixed to the right front bumper, in line with the fender and with the union toward the front. The staff should be tall enough so that the flag clears the car hood.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">**With Other Flags**
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">When the flag of the United States is flown **<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">on the same flagpole ** with flags of other states or cities, or with pennants of societies, the U.S. flag is always at the peak. When flown from **<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">adjacent staffs **, the national flag should be hoisted first and lowered last.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> When carried **<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">in a procession or parade ** with another flag or flags, the American flag should either be on the marching right, or when there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> When a number of **<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">flags of states or cities ** are grouped and displayed from staffs, the U.S. flag should be at the center or at the highest point of the group. If the **<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">flags of two or more nations ** are displayed, they should be flown from separate staffs of the same height, and the flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in times of peace.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">**Wearing a Flag Lapel Pin**
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A U.S. flag lapel pin should be worn on the left lapel.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">**Saluting the Flag**
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Whenever the flag passes by, as in a parade, U.S. citizens pay it their respects by standing at attention and placing the right hand over the heart. Men remove their hats and hold them, in their right hands, over their hearts. This rule also applies to women wearing sports caps. Men and women in the armed forces give the military salute as the flag passes. Veterans and service personnel out of uniform may give the military salute or place the right hand over the heart.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> While citizens of other countries are not expected to salute the U.S. flag, sing our national anthem, or recite the Pledge of Allegiance, it is respectful for them to stand quietly while the flag passes, the anthem is sung, or the pledge is recited.

====<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">**The Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem** ==== <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In 2007, the U.S. Congress addressed etiquette for the pledge of allegiance and the national anthem in 36 USC 301. When saying the pledge of allegiance, citizens of all ages should stand at attention, face the flag, and salute by placing the right hand over the heart. Men should remove their hats, and women any sports caps. When in uniform, military personnel, firefighters, and law enforcement officers give a military salute. Veterans and service personnel out of uniform may give the military salute or place the right hand over the heart. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Everyone, even very young children, should rise, remain standing, and salute by placing the right hand over the heart during the playing of The Star-Spangled Banner—first note to last. The anthem isn't easy to sing, and you need not do so if you don't have the necessary range. But you must stand quietly until "O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave" has rung out and the music ends.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> If you are on the way to your seat at a sports event, or in any public place, and the first strains of the anthem are heard, stop where you are and stand at attention until the end. Don't talk, chew gum, eat, or smoke during the singing of the anthem.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> For more information on flags, visit:__<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ee; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;"> http://www.americanflags.org __

= = =5 Ways to Combat Rudeness=

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 18.7167px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Easy as 1, 2, 3...

 * 1) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Don’t take it personally. Perhaps the offender is having a bad day.
 * 2) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Size up your annoyances. Is it worth it to make a fuss over something small, or is it a waste of your emotional time?
 * 3) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Set a good example. Rudeness begets rudeness. If you speak sharply to the bank teller, don’t be surprised if you get the same treatment in return.
 * 4) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Count to ten. When someone’s behavior makes you angry, take a few deep breaths and ask yourself, “Is it really worth blowing my stack over this?”
 * 5) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Laugh it off. If you can’t come up with a friendly joke, just chuckle and change the subject.

=<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Awkward Conversations =

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 18.7167px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Situation:
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">There will be times when you find you are the odd man out on an issue, and you may feel pressured to talk about stuff you don’t want to. One of my friends reported that though he was happy at his new job, he was having a hard time fitting in because conversations at the office were often about other coworkers or company politics. He finally decided he simply wasn’t going to look for any work friends among the people who gossiped. I thought that was a really smart move.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 18.7167px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Remember:
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The principles of etiquette give you the tools to navigate any situation. If you aren’t comfortable with the way a certain conversation is going, politely say to the other person, “I’m sorry, I’m just not comfortable with this conversation.” Or, simply refuse to engage yourself in the conversation, and quietly leave.

=<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 24px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Tricky Table Manners: How Do I.... =

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 24px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">...Cut my food?
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">One bite at a time. Always.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 24px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">...Pass food around the table?
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The whole pass-to-the-right thing is really just to ensure that there is some type of order. Food is always passed in one direction to avoid having someone end up with two dishes at once. You can either hold the platter for the person you are passing to while she takes her food or, if the platter seems easy to hold and serve from, you may simply pass it to the guest next to you once you’ve taken your share. Remember to take a small enough portion so that there’s plenty left for everyone else. When you pass something with a handle, like a gravy boat, pass it with the handle side toward the person you are passing to, so that she can take it easily.

=
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 24px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">…Deal with an Unpleasant Experience in the Mouth? ====== <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">If something that tastes funky or foul ends up in your mouth, you can raise your fork to your mouth and subtly use your tongue to remove the object from your mouth and place it on your fork. (Easy rule: if it went in with a utensil, it comes out on a utensil; if it went in with your fingers, it comes out with your fingers.) Then place the item to the side of your plate. Never place the item in your napkin—it’s too easy for it to fall out, and stain your clothes or end up on the chair. The idea is to try to keep your actions unnoticed, and let your conversation and company take center stage. And as a former busperson in a restaurant, I can tell you from painful experience that it’s gross to clear a table and squeeze someone’s chewed up unpleasant experience in your hand as you gather the napkins or have it stain your work clothes when it comes tumbling out.

=
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 24px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">…Let the Waiter Know There’s Something in my Soup? ====== <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">If you discover an insect or a hair in your food, try not to make a big deal of it (especially if you’re eating at someone’s house). Instead, put your fork or glass down, and wait to signal the server to get you a fresh plate or glass. If you are in someone’s home, simply remove the foreign object, set it to the side of your plate, and (if you aren’t overly grossed out), continue eating. You do not mention to your host in the middle of a dinner party that you found something gross in the food. No siree.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 24px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">…Signal That I’m Finished?
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Imagining your plate as a clock, set your utensils on the plate so that both handles are resting on the numeral 4. Then leave your plate exactly where it is. Pushing it away is not considered polite.

=<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Top Ten Table Manners = <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1. Chew with your mouth closed. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">2. Avoid slurping, smacking, blowing your nose, or other gross noises. (If necessary, excuse yourself to take care of whatever it is you need to take care of.) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3. Don’t use your utensils like a shovel or as if you’ve just stabbed the food you’re about to eat. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4. Don’t pick your teeth at the table. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">5. Remember to use your napkin at all times. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">6. Wait until you’re done chewing to sip or swallow a drink. (The exception is if you’re choking.) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">7. Cut only one piece of food at a time. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">8. Avoid slouching and don’t place your elbows on the table while eating (though it is okay to prop your elbows on the table while conversing between courses.) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">9. Instead of reaching across the table for something, ask for it to be passed to you. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">10. Always say ‘excuse me’ whenever you leave the table.

=Hats Off - The Who-What-When-Where of the Hat=

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">When to Wear it and When to Not
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Hats aren't the essential article of clothing they once were but are still worn by both sexes for fashion and for function. Knowing when to remove a hat is as important as wearing the right hat for the occasion. If you were a medieval knight who failed to remove his helmet or lift his visor and identify himself the consequences could be fatal. Throughout history hats identified social standing and removing a hat was a gesture of respect. In the "old days," men took off their hats in Christian churches, when they entered someone's home, when greeting a boss, and always in the presence of a lady. Ladies were entirely exempt from "hat rules," wearing them whenever and where ever they wished. While some of these customs are now historical footnotes, even in today's casual culture men and women still remove their hats as a sign of respect. Here's when it’s fine to wear your hat and when it’s not:

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 13.2833px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">** Men – Hats can be left on… **

 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Outdoors
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">At athletic events (indoors or out)
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">On public transportation
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In public buildings such as post offices, airports, and hotel or office lobbies
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">On elevators

=
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 13.2833px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">** Men – Take hats off, including baseball caps … ** =====
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In someone's home
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">At mealtimes, at the table
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">While being introduced, indoors or out (unless it's frigid!)
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In a house of worship, unless a hat or head covering is required
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Indoors at work, especially in an office (unless required for the job)
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In public buildings such as a school, library, courthouse, or town hall
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In restaurants and coffee shops
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">At a movie or any indoor performance
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">When the national anthem is played
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">When the flag of the United States passes by, as in a parade

=
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 13.2833px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">** Women – Fashion hats (not baseball-style caps) can be left on… ** =====
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In someone's home
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">At luncheons, weddings, garden parties
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">At religious services
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">At a movie or any indoor performance
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">When the national anthem is played
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">When the flag of the United States passes by, as in a parade

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 13.2833px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">** Women — Take your fashion hat off… **

 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Anytime it blocks someone's view, such as at a wedding or in a theater
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Indoors at work

=
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 13.2833px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">** Women — Remove baseball-style (unisex) caps… ** =====
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In someone's home
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">At mealtimes, at the table
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">While being introduced
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In a house of worship, unless a hat or head covering is required
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Indoors at work, unless required for the job
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In public buildings such as a school, library, courthouse, or town hall
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In restaurants and coffee shops
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">At a movie or any indoor performance
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">When the national anthem is played
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">When the flag of the United States passes by, as in a parade

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">(Cancer patients are exempt from hat rules. They may keep their hats or caps on at all times if they wish.)

=<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Thank You Note Q&A =

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Thank You!
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We all have to write thank-you notes. Take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone staring down your stack of cards and list of names. Before you start, remember that thanking people needs to be about just that: expressing thanks. So refocus, reorganize, and rethink the process. Get in touch with the sincerity of thanking people for thinking about you and sending you something—even if it’s a hot pink polyester sweater. Here at the Emily Post Institute, we’ve assembled some simple answers to the most commonly asked questions about the post-holiday thank-you note blues.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 18.7167px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Who needs a note?
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">All gifts should be acknowledged with a note, unless the goodies were opened in front of the giver—then you have the chance to thank them in person. An important exception: many of an older generation expect a hand-written note. Providing them with one is an appropriate gesture of respect and consideration.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 18.7167px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Who should write the note?
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The person who received the gift should write the note. Group notes are acceptable for Aunt Patty who sent the household a group present—just ask each recipient to sign. For couples, it’s perfectly fine to split up the notes for gifts you received together. For the kids, check our section entitled __<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ee; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">[|“Mom, Let’s Write Thank-You Notes!”] __

===<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 18.7167px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">When should thank-you notes be written? === <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Write your notes as soon as possible, and don’t hesitate if you feel you’re late: a late note is always better than no note at all.

===<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 18.7167px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Can a thank-you note be creative? === <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Absolutely. Incorporating photos, children’s drawings—anything at all that compliments the sentiment is appropriate. Just remember to include a short written thank-you as well.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 18.7167px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">What about e-mail?
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The reality of email thank-you’s, much like email itself, is a degree of emotional distance: an email to your grandmother is simply not as personal as a note written in your own hand. So if you have a casual relationship with the gift giver and you correspond via email regularly, an email thank-you may be appropriate. For most other people, the written thank-you is your best bet for an expression of warm, heartfelt thanks. The last thing you want is for someone to be disappointed when her hand-knit scarf is acknowledged with a loud, animated e-card.

===<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 18.7167px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">How do I make writing thank-you notes fun? === <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We all love getting presents and are sincerely thankful, but some of us procrastinate terribly when it’s time to write notes. One friend, bemoaning the fact that she had to write not only her notes to far-flung family and friends, but also notes for her three children and her husband, hit upon a brilliant idea.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> She had a party. On a Sunday afternoon in January, she invited her husband and their kids to the kitchen table. Everything was ready: note paper, pens, pencils, crayons, envelopes, address book, stamps and lists. The smallest (ages 4 - 6) drew pictures of their gifts, and Mom and Dad added dictated captions and thank you’s. The 7-8 year-olds wrote one or two sentences, practicing new writing skills. The 9-and-olders were able to work more or less independently. Meanwhile, Mom and Dad helped with spelling words and addressing, and, in the quiet moments, wrote a few notes themselves.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> When everyone was finished, there was hot cider and banana bread. My friend was amazed at how successful the afternoon was. The kids were involved, the notes were done and the family had time to be together and talk about their holiday, friends and relatives. And a new family tradition was born.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> If you’re on your own, break up the list. Schedule a few different days to write your notes, and each time give yourself a little something to make it interesting: music, a glass of wine, your favorite radio show, a cup of tea—perhaps even some chocolate. Take the time to yourself for writing out thank-you notes: don’t try and wedge it in between laundry, a TV show and extra work from the office. You’ll be able to think more clearly and your focus will translate to the page. Above all, try to enjoy yourself. Giving thanks shouldn’t be a chore—and doesn’t have to be if you make the effort to keep it interesting.

=Texting Etiquette= <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Do not drive and text - Okay...this one really does not have a whole lot to do with manners or etiquette. It really has to do with safety. So, for the safely of other drivers, do not drive and text. This picture to the right is the result of what happens when people drive and text. You get the idea...

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">2. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Texting in front of people is considered rude - When you are with someone and you are texting, it is just as rude as if you were to take a phone call and talk in front of them. Since we want to use our manners to positively influence others, you should avoid texting in front of them.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Avoid slang as much as possible - There is no reason to make the person receiving your text to spend an hour deciphering what it means. The more you use slang and abbreviations, the more difficult it will be to communicate with people.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Other people have lives too - Not everyone will be able to respond immediately. There are times that people will be away from their phone or not in a position to send a response. If you need something immediately, texting may not be your best option.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">5. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Watch your tone - As with any kind of written communication, the person receiving the message could misinterpret the tone of the message. Be careful what you are saying in a text and how you say it.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">6. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Keep personal things out of texting - This is not only proper texting etiquette but it is just good etiquette. If you have something personal to share (breaking up with someone, or a personal situation) save that for a conversation. A text message to break up with someone is just rude and disrespectful. At least have the decency to do it in a conversation.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Hopefully, these tips on texting etiquette will help you maximize this technology without offending others at the same time.