Etiquette Without Eye Contact

It used to be if one had a question regarding general etiquette, one would turn to a hardcover copy of Emily Post's wisdom. Boy, how things have changed.

Not only have the most simple forms of proper etiquette become somehow "unnecessary", somewhere along the way new forms began popping up because of technology. Interestingly, I find that the old ways, if never allowed to be dismissed, would have served our electronic communicative ways just fine from the beginning.

It's true that what we write on Facebook, Twitter, and blogs is out in the world forever. Adults and children alike are learning to be careful and not say anything "inappropriate". We also need to prevent the lack of eye contact from giving us a license for rudeness.

So, in case any of you have forgotten, or are too young to have learned, here are a couple of "oldies but goodies" when it comes to etiquette.

If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

Constructive criticism is very different from cruel criticism. Never be cruel.

Wait your turn.

Don't talk more than you listen.

Say 'please' and 'thank you'.

If something is worth doing, it's worth doing right, (take pride in your work).

'Please' leave a comment if you'd like, and 'thank you' for reading!