Etiquette
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Use just enough perfume for someone standing a few feet away to notice it.
Scent should be noticed only when people are close, not broadcast from across the room.
14 people, independently
Eat a mint or chew gum yourself first, then offer some to the person whose breath smells bad.
They may perceive this as casual sharing rather than a critique, which can prevent them from feeling offended.
- Some people offer gum simply because they want to share, not because of bad breath.
9 people, independently
Lower yourself to the dog's eye level when you first meet it.
This makes you appear less threatening.
- Do not do this with unfamiliar dogs, as even small dogs can jump up and bite at your face or throat.
5 people, independently
Scratch a pet dog under the chin or on the sides instead of placing your hand over its head.
Standing or reaching above a dog's head can feel threatening to them.
- Some dogs, such as German Shepherds, may dislike being petted under the chin and only allow trusted people to do so.
4 people, independently
Ask the host if you should remove your shoes when entering their home for the first time.
It avoids awkwardness and respects the host's preference.
- Some cultures or individuals may view removing shoes as rude or overly familiar.
3 people, independently
- Observe whether the host removes their shoes upon entering; if they keep them on, you may as well.7
More on etiquette44
Instruct kids to request permission before touching or approaching a dog that belongs to someone else.
Owners might let you know if the animal is nervous or unsafe around children, which has helped prevent incidents.
7 people, independently
Be direct and explicit when asking guests to leave, rather than relying on subtle hints.
Guests may not take hints like 'thanks for coming' or 'it's getting late'.
4 people, independently
Stop holding doors for anyone who is more than two seconds away from reaching it.
Holding it forces them to run towards the door, which can be more annoying than opening it themselves.
- Exceptions include people pushing wheelchairs or those with hands full of items like beverage trays.
5 people, independently
Do not say 'It's ok' or pet a dog when its owner commands it to stop jumping or behaving badly.
Doing so rewards the bad habit and reinforces the behavior the owner is trying to stop.
5 people, independently
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Avoid wearing perfume or cologne to mask cigarette smoke, as it creates an unpleasant mixed odor.
Perfume does not cancel out smoke; it combines with it to create a sickly, contradictory smell that is often worse than smoke alone.
4 people, independently
Introduce yourself immediately when you see a friend with someone you haven't met, rather than waiting for them to do it.
Failing to do so may come off as rude, and friends often fail to make introductions.
5 people, independently
Put your phone away when spending time with friends or family to stay present and engaged.
It shows respect and gives the other person your full attention.
4 people, independently
Do not bring coffee or food as an apology gift when arriving late.
It can imply you had time to stop for items but not enough time to arrive; some bosses view this negatively.
3 people, independently
Offer to help clean up after a meal, but accept if the host declines.
The effort is appreciated, but hosts often have specific systems for cleaning.
3 people, independently
Stop initiating greetings if the other person consistently fails to reciprocate.
Putting in effort should be mutual; lack of response indicates they do not want to engage.
6 people, independently
Ask arriving travelers to meet you at the Departures level instead of Arrivals, provided local airport rules allow it.
Traffic is lighter and moves faster there, with fewer people and cars.
5 people, independently
Allow the dog to sniff you first and judge its response before proceeding with interaction.
Friendly dogs can react quickly if approached too closely; observing body language helps gauge safety.
3 people, independently
Never make fun of or laugh at someone for mispronouncing a word.
Everyone makes mistakes, and mispronunciations can stem from reading, speech impediments, or different accents; understanding is what matters.
7 people, independently
Refrain from commenting on a person's most obvious physical traits, such as height, size, braces, or glasses, especially when meeting them for the first time.
People are already aware of these noticeable features and are likely tired of having them pointed out.
7 people, independently
- Avoid remarking on a person's height if they are notably taller than most people.4
Greet with a wave or verbal hello if unsure about physical contact.
Waving is cheerful, platonic, and friendly; many people do not want to be touched without permission.
3 people, independently
Listen actively by making eye contact and using verbal or non-verbal cues like nodding to show you are listening.
This demonstrates charisma and helps you be liked among peers.
3 people, independently
Stand back from the elevator doors before entering to allow people inside to exit first.
Standing directly in front blocks people from exiting; stepping aside creates space for new riders.
6 people, independently
Ask for the spelling of a difficult name when meeting someone for the first time.
It allows you to visualize the name and helps with memory.
3 people, independently
If you realize you are staring, hold your head steady and direct your gaze to an object directly behind the person, then naturally look away after a moment.
They will assume you were looking at the other object.
3 people, independently
Wear little to no perfume or cologne when working in an office shared with others.
Coworkers may have allergies or sensitivities to fragrances, and some offices have policies against them.
4 people, independently
Ask first responders or veterans about the funniest, weirdest, or most rewarding things they have experienced instead of the worst.
Asking about the worst brings down the mood; everyone has a favorite story or funny experience.
3 people, independently
Mist perfume into the air before you, let it settle, then step through the cloud to apply it.
This ensures even distribution on skin, allows the scent to blend with your natural odor rather than sitting on clothes, and prevents damage to fabrics from direct application.
5 people, independently
Avoid making big life decisions or engaging in contentious discussions late at night or when tired.
Fatigue impairs judgment similarly to hunger; chances are you won't care about the conflict in the morning.
3 people, independently
Offer an easier-to-pronounce nickname or alias if you are comfortable with it, to reduce friction for others.
5 people, independently
Finalize the full group order before signaling the bartender.
Calling for service without a complete list is viewed as a major faux pas; one server mentioned they would leave if patrons turned around to check preferences mid-interaction.
4 people, independently
Inquire about name pronunciation upon first meeting, particularly if future interactions are expected.
Asking allows them to avoid correcting you later; it stops mispronunciations from spreading at work; many appreciate the effort.
4 people, independently
Keep doors open for people approaching from behind or beside you, no matter their gender.
It reflects basic politeness and good character.
3 people, independently
Offer gum or mints to others when you take one for yourself to avoid appearing rude or selfish.
It is considered basic manners to share food or gum in someone's presence rather than consuming it alone.
10 people, independently
Ignore a jumping or nipping dog by turning away or walking past until it calms down.
3 people, independently
Treat 'how are you?' as a social greeting rather than a literal inquiry, responding with brief pleasantries unless the context signals genuine interest.
4 people, independently
When unsure about greeting a woman, use a simple smile and verbal greeting ('hi') or a nod/wave instead of physical contact.
3 people, independently
Tell friends directly if their cellphone use during social events bothers you.
3 people, independently
Avoid making unsolicited comments on people's bodies entirely.
Such comments are often perceived as intrusive and disrespectful of bodily autonomy.
3 people, independently
If thanked for your service, respond with 'Thank you for your support.'
3 people, independently
Do not post about major life events such as births, engagements, or pregnancies unless it is your own news to share.
Sharing others' personal milestones without permission can cause serious drama.
3 people, independently
Reserve 'Happy Memorial Day' greetings for the deceased; do not say it to living veterans.
4 people, independently
If you are noticed looking at someone, hold their gaze and smile, perhaps mouthing a greeting.
6 people, independently
Limit application to one spray for most fragrances, as many modern scents are potent enough that a single spritz is enough.
4 people, independently
Stand on the side designated for standing in your location (typically right in the US/UK, left in Australia/Japan) to allow others to walk past.
4 people, independently
Request permission from afar and allow the dog to approach you instead of moving toward it right away.
4 people, independently
If you interrupt someone, apologize and help them resume by repeating what they were saying.
3 people, independently
Wear slippers or designated indoor footwear instead of going barefoot for comfort and hygiene.
3 people, independently
Rotate your scents regularly to prevent your nose from becoming accustomed to one particular fragrance.
3 people, independently
More on etiquette12
Execute a firm handshake that is neither too soft nor too tight.
First impressions matter; a limp hand looks weak or indifferent, while crushing someone's hand makes you seem like an asshole.
- Do not read into it too much; it is just a handshake.
5 people, independently
- Keep your wrist solid and not floppy during the handshake.3
Hold your head up and refrain from checking your phone while walking in public areas.
Looking down can cause you to collide with others who cannot move out of your way.
4 people, independently
Give your partner flowers or gifts at random times rather than exclusively as apologies.
Random gifts are more appreciated and avoid setting up a scenario where you only receive affection after a fight; it shows you are thinking of them or want to cheer them up.
3 people, independently
Give customers coins before bills.
Cupping coins in your palm while gripping bills between thumb and fist stops change from slipping out of their hand.
20 people, independently
- Give coins before bills when providing change.3
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Match the pressure of the other person's handshake rather than trying to dominate or submit.
Too much pressure seems like overcompensating, while too little seems unprofessional; matching energy helps nervous people feel comfortable.
3 people, independently
Take a photo of the text from a greeting card you like, then handwrite that message into a different card.
3 people, independently
Hold beverages in your right hand if you have damp palms.
You can dry your hands using the drink's condensation as cover, making wet grips seem natural.
6 people, independently
- Keep beverages in your left hand during social gatherings or networking functions.15
Shake hands with women in mixed groups to avoid appearing sexist or inconsistent in your greeting behavior.
Skipping women while shaking men's hands is perceived as sexist and awkward.
3 people, independently
Stand up when shaking hands with someone you are meeting for the first time.
It is considered courteous and makes you appear more likeable; sitting may cause others to view you negatively.
3 people, independently