#social-etiquette

#social-etiquette

A newly widowed young-ish woman receives a thoughtful letter from her close friend about her dearly departed husband and cash falls out of it. This is not a teenager's birthday card from a well-meaning but emotionally unavailable grandpa. This is an adult woman who, higher education notwithstanding, wants to maintain her dignity after her husband's death.

In a world that can feel isolating, tiny doorways to connection exist in everyday small talk, but we must linger long enough to enter.

In Germany, punctuality is not just appreciated; it's a crucial social norm. If you want to integrate smoothly, being on time is imperative.

"It is undeniably the case that when someone does the right thing, letting you know that you might want to check a mirror, that moment can be awkward."

"William sounds a little insecure and annoying, but ultimately harmless, and as I've mentioned, these are, in fact, gatherings with your colleagues."

I realized that I've always written thank-you notes from a place of guilt.

At their private birthday party, guests were shocked to receive hefty bills the next day after being told to order freely during the event.

If there's such a thing as counter-culture in Greenland, it's our youth reclaiming our Inuit roots. - Johannes Ostermann

"The phrase 'fanum tax' refers to the concept that if someone has food in a group setting, they are obligated to share a portion of it with the others."

Instead of traditional goodbyes that interrupt the couple's enjoyment, quietly slipping out of a wedding reception allows the newlyweds to appreciate their expensive party.

As a person who moved to the US, it's baffling to see people stroll around their homes in sneakers or even boots! I can't help but think about all the dirt, germs, and unidentified outside substances that must be getting tracked all over their floors.

I am so sorry, I should have been more clear when you asked for that card. These items are meant for the indigent. They are not for us.

You cannot reasonably be expected to receive uninvited guests particularly after a recent move so there is nothing wrong with accepting the oranges and saying, 'We look forward to being able to have you over when we are unpacked and ready for guests.' Miss Manners is only relieved that your neighbor also had the good manners and situational awareness to leave after 10 minutes.

Regifting is a common holiday practice, yet the challenge lies in whether the original givers feel slighted when their gifts are passed on.

"The driver clearly wasn't thrilled with my request to crank up the A.C. for my pedicure, leading to his dramatic exit and curses about humanity."