It’s a shame that people don’t really mind their manners anymore. Good manners are lovely. And sadly, they are also quite underrated in our modern society.
I certainly can’t claim that I am the most polite, well mannered person on earth. But I do think there are easy ways for all of us to lift our game in the manners department.
At the risk of sounding like a haughty n00b, here’s modern etiquette according to Neen:
1) When you are invited to someone’s house, never turn up empty handed.
2) Do not file or cut your nails on public transport. This is socially unacceptable and, frankly, if caught, should result in you being sent to live in a penal colony with other feral minded people.
3) Never assume that you are invited to a wedding. The cost per head of wedding guests is generally quite ludicrous. Unless you are the bride or groom, don’t ever think you’re automatically on the guest list.
4) If you ARE invited to a wedding;
– Don’t ask if you can bring a guest (for reason mentioned above)
– Always take a gift
– Don’t wear jeans under any circumstances. It doesn’t matter if the groom is planning to wear jeans, he’s the groom, he can do whatever he likes. You are a guest, you cannot
– Don’t bring your children unless their name was on the invite.
5) When you buy someone a gift, don’t follow the ‘I like this, so they will too’ rule. Buy something you think they would like, that matches their style and taste, not yours. It really is the thought that counts.
6) If you are invited to something, RSVP by the date given on the invite.
7) Don’t keep people waiting more than 5 minutes.
8) Don’t criticise the products on sale or the price of items in a shop. If you don’t like what’s there or can’t afford it, just walk out.
9) Return phone calls, reply to emails.
10) Always send your friend’s a message or call them for their birthday.
11) Don’t show disgust or criticise what other people like to eat or drink. For example if you strongly dislike vegetarian products made by Sanitarium, perhaps say ‘No thanks’ instead of ‘Don’t let that filth touch my food’. (Ok this is one I clearly need to work on).
12) When you’re out with someone, don’t take a phone call that you know will last more than a few minutes.
13) Don’t interrupt people while they are talking.
14) Start eating only when everyone’s food has arrived or been served (Mel is training Ian on this one, lol).
15) Never assume that someone else should pay for you just because they earn more money.
16) If someone does pay for you, thank them. More than once.
17) If someone cooks dinner for you, give feedback on the food they have prepared.
18) When you are sent a card or delivered balloons or flowers, acknowledge that you have received them.
19) Cover your mouth when you cough.
20) Don’t turn up unannounced and don’t overstay your welcome.
The random musings of Neen 
