50 little etiquette rules you should always practice

Manners and proper behaviour are still as important as ever, but in these days of social media and instant messaging, it’s not always clear what’s acceptable. These little etiquette rules should keep you on track.

If you’re seated at a table with eight or fewer guests, wait until everyone is served and for the hostess to begin eating before you dig in. At a long banquet table, it’s OK to start when several people are seated and served.

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All items not having to do with food (and decoration) should remain off the table: keys, clutch bags, sunglasses, and especially phones.

“If you’re in a situation where you’d excuse yourself to go to the bathroom, you should also excuse yourself before reaching for your phone,” writes Farhad Manjoo on slate.com.

Here are 7 real-world situations to gauge how good your manners are.

Don’t make a big deal of saying you don’t drink. Simply place your fingertips on the rim of the glass and say “Not today, thanks.” This implies no judgment of those who wish to imbibe.

Don’t use a speakerphone unless you’re in your office and holding a meeting that’s being attended by someone remotely. Alert the person you’re speaking with that others are present, close the door, and definitely don’t be a chatterbox while you talk. FYI: Using speakerphone at full volume to go through your voice mailbox is the definition of annoying.

It doesn’t matter the gender of either.

Come on.

And you shouldn’t be heating up these foods that should never go in the microwave either.

And once on board, stow your stuff and get out of the aisle quickly. When claiming your baggage, don’t crowd the carousel. Step forward only when you see your bag.

If all you have to say in your email reply is “Thanks!” refrain from sending it. You’re just clogging an inbox.