SOME SOCIAL RULES THAT MAY HELP YOU.
1. Don’t call someone more than twice continuously. If they don’t pick up your call, presume they have something important to attend to or aren't interested.
2. Return money that you have borrowed even before the person who loaned it to you remembers or asks for it. It shows your integrity and character. The same goes for clothes, tools, etc.
3. Never order the expensive dish on the menu when someone is treating you to lunch or dinner. This is one of the rudest things to do, and trust you won't be invited again.
4. Don’t ask awkward questions like ‘Oh, so you aren’t married yet?’ Or ‘Don’t you have kids?’ Or ‘Why haven't you bought a house?’ Or ‘Why haven't you bought a car?’ For God’s sake, it isn’t your problem.
5. Always open the door for the person coming behind you. It doesn’t matter if it is a guy or a girl, senior or junior. You don’t grow small by treating someone well in public. This has become a lost art.
6. If you take a taxi with a friend and he/she pays now, try paying next time.
7. Respect different shades of opinions. Remember, what may seem like 6 to you might appear as 9 to someone else. Besides, a second opinion is good for an alternative.
8. Never interrupt people while they are talking. Allow them to pour it out. As they say, hear them all and filter them all.
9. If you tease someone, and they don’t seem to enjoy it, stop it and never do it again. It encourages one to do more and shows how appreciative you are.
10. Say “thank you” when someone is helping you.
11. Praise publicly. Criticize privately.
12. There’s seldom a reason to comment on someone’s weight. Just say, “You look fantastic.” If they want to talk about losing weight, they will.
13. When someone shows you a photo on their phone, don’t swipe left or right. You never know what’s next.
14. If a colleague tells you they have a doctor's appointment, don’t ask what it’s for, just say "I hope you’re okay." Don’t put them in the uncomfortable position of having to tell you their illness. If they want you to know, they'll do so without your inquisitiveness.
15. Treat the cleaner with the same respect as the CEO. Nobody is impressed by how rudely you treat someone below you, but people will notice if you treat them with respect.
16. If a person is speaking directly to you, staring at your phone is rude. This is one of my pet peeves.
17. Never advise until you’re asked. If no one asked you, don't!
18. When meeting someone after a long time, unless they want to talk about it, don’t ask them their age or salary.
19. Mind your business unless anything involves you directly - just stay out of it.
20. Remove your sunglasses if you are talking to anyone in the street. It is a sign of respect. Moreover, eye contact is as important as your speech.
21. Never talk about your riches in the/Chicago midst of the poor. Similarly, don't talk about your children in the midst of the barren.
22. After reading a good message, consider saying "Thanks for the message."
APPRECIATION remains the easiest way of getting what you don't have.
Beyond just listing out rules, understanding the spirit behind social etiquette is crucial for genuinely smooth interactions. I've found that applying these principles isn't just about being polite; it's about fostering respect, building trust, and creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable and valued. Let me share a few scenarios from my own experience where these rules truly shine. Take, for instance, the rule about returning borrowed money or items (point #2). It seems so basic, right? But I once lent a friend a small amount for lunch, and they returned it the very next day, unprompted. It wasn't about the money; it was about the integrity. It instantly made me trust them more and strengthened our friendship. Conversely, I’ve seen friendships strain over forgotten debts, and it’s a stark reminder that these seemingly small actions speak volumes about our character. It's not just a rule; it's a foundation for solid relationships. Another big one for me is avoiding awkward questions (point #4). I used to accidentally blurt out things like, “Are you still single?” or “Thinking of having kids yet?” without realizing the pressure or discomfort it caused. I learned the hard way that people will share what they want to share when they’re ready. Now, I try to focus on open-ended questions about their interests or recent experiences, which always leads to more genuine and positive conversations. It’s all about respecting personal boundaries and understanding that not every detail of someone’s life is public domain. This simple shift has drastically improved my ability to engage in meaningful dialogue without making anyone feel interrogated. And let's talk about respecting different shades of opinions (point #7). In today's world, it's so easy to get caught up in proving you're right. But I've noticed that the most enriching social interactions happen when people genuinely listen and try to understand another's perspective, even if they disagree. I remember a discussion where a group of us had completely different views on a local issue. Instead of arguing, we each took turns explaining why we felt the way we did. Nobody changed their mind entirely, but we all left with a deeper appreciation for each other's reasoning. It really showed me that mutual respect in dialogue doesn't mean agreement, but rather a willingness to engage thoughtfully. This creates a much more pleasant group dynamic and presence. Finally, the simple act of putting your phone away when someone is speaking to you (point #16) is a game-changer. I used to be guilty of this, checking notifications mid-conversation. But when I started making a conscious effort to give people my undivided attention, I noticed a huge difference. People felt truly heard, and our conversations became more engaging and memorable. It's a fundamental sign of respect and truly elevates the quality of any social interaction. These rules aren't just abstract guidelines; they're tools for building better relationships and navigating the complexities of social life with confidence and kindness. By consciously applying them, we not only improve our own social presence but also contribute to a more respectful and enjoyable environment for everyone around us.
