Etiquette for everyday. Part 3.

Part 3 of the “Etiquette for everyday” series is my favorite. I find it more entertaining and alive..

If you missed the previous posts, you can catch up here: Part 1 and Part 2.

Let’s learn more about the etiquette in public places and the rules of small talk.

Public Places.

Shopping.

In order to avoid the hustle in the store and prevent conflicts and misunderstandings, follow these rules:

• Do not enter the store with food.
• Do not block aisle with a cart.
• Do not try food before purchasing it.
• In line at the checkout, do not violate the personal space of other people, keep a distance of at least half a meter.
• When trying on clothes and shoes, try not to damage or stain the products.
• Leave your shopping cart in the designated area.

Theater

The theater is a temple of art. It teaches us not only the ability to communicate and express our feelings, but also contributes to a deeper understanding of life and to a sense of joy, lightness, and good mood.

• Dress nicely and enjoy the evening.
• Couples should dress in the same style to look harmonious.
• Light perfumes are recommended.
• Eating you a snack before the show saves you from thinking about food.
• Come early so you can avoid the hustle.
• Turn off your phone.
• Do not talk during the show.
• In the theater’s wardrobe, the man takes the coat from his lady and gives it to the wardrobe. The man keeps the token number. After the show, the man first helps his lady put on the coat and then wears his jacket.
• Do not comb your hair in the mirrors in the foyer. This should be done only in the washroom.
• Eat only at the buffet. Eating in the lobby is considered bad manners.
• When a couple passes between the rows to their seats, the woman goes first, and the man follows her. But if they are late, then the man goes first, showing the way, and the woman follows him.
• Passing between the rows, walk facing to the audience. But if you are late and the performance has already begun, then you have to face the actors and show them respect.
• If you’re letting people through, stand up and hold your seat so it will not slam loudly.
• The woman sits to the right of the man. But if a woman can’t see well or something is disturbing her, then a couple can switch seats with each other.
• Do not take two armrests. Your armrest is on your right.
• Avoid leaning forward or kicking the seat in front.
• You do not have to applaud if you didn’t like the performance. There is no need to shout or whistle.
• Wait for the show to end before leaving.

Most of these rules also apply when you go to the movies.

Museum and Exhibition

• Learn about the artist and what you will see before going to an exhibition or museum.
• Get a floor plan for the exhibition/museum.
• If you are on a tour, do not interrupt your guide. You can ask questions after the guide has finished talking.
• Do not touch anything.
• Be quiet.

Appearance

“Don’t judge a book by its cover” is a good saying, but unfortunately, we all judge people by their appearance.

The first impression is very important. This gives you not only self-confidence, but may also open up some new opportunities.

If you are well-dressed and groomed, it will make you very attractive both as a person and as an acquaintance.

• You should choose your outfit carefully based on the situation: sporty clothes will not look good in a restaurant, evening dress in a business meeting, high heels on the market, deep decollete in the office, etc.

• Follow the dress code for events. If you don’t know what to wear, ask the host.

• Stylishly mix and match shoes, accessories, and bags.

• The tuxedo, diamonds, and sapphires are worn only in the evening.

• Clothing should match the season: bright colors are typically worn in summer, and dark colors in winter.

• Dress appropriately at school and work. Do not wear revealing clothing.

Small Talk

Knowing the social etiquette and rules of conduct will be very useful for communicating at official meetings or with friends. This will help to achieve the desired result in negotiations with companions and to establish trusting relationships with friends.

• Start the conversation with an open pose, slightly turn towards the acquaintance.
• Be attentive to the conversation, focus on your partner, and do not get distracted by extraneous things.
• Speak grammatically and correctly. Express your thoughts clearly.
• You may call your partner by name only after he/she has been introduced to you. If you have forgotten his/her name, apologize and ask again.
• Compliment your companion. This will set the tone for the conversation.
• Do not interrupt your partner in a conversation.
• Do not swear or get angry.
• Do not make rude comments and not flatter.
• Do not show a bad mood.
• Do not talk only about yourself, your business or problems in a conversation, unless you are asked about it. If asked, then do not chat about it for a long time.
• Do not ask your new acquaintances about children until they tell you themselves.
• If the topic does not interest you, then try to change it.
• If you do not like the topic of conversation or your acquaintance is not interested, then use the 15-minute rule: talk for up to 15 minutes, apologize and leave.
• Argue only with arguments.
• Forbidden topics for small talk: religion, politics, health, nationality, diet, and how much money a person earns or spends on something.
• Topics allowed for small talk: art, sport, music, new exhibitions, movies, fashion, museums, artists, culture, nature, and travel.
• You can chat in party content.
• Do not forget to keep your distance during the conversation.

I really hope you find this topic interesting and I promise there will be more etiquette posts in the future.

If you would like to learn about etiquette in Japan, you can read posts:

Dining etiquette in Japan.

Japan: Onsen or Sento ? What the right choice ?

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