Episode 491 - Professionalism
Your Awesome Etiquette podcast episode for the week, Monday joke and a etiquette extra on the nature of professionalism
On today’s show, we take your questions on personal stationery use, sympathy acknowledgments, how to handle that last piece of bread in the basket, and a real speakerphone shocker. For Awesome Etiquette Community Members, our question of the week is about a vexed semi-vegetarian. Plus your most excellent feedback, etiquette salute, and a postscript on professionalism.
Etiquette Extra - Staying Connected
The team at Debretts recently published an excellent think piece titled The Comfort of Strangers, where they talk about efforts that are being made in Great Britain to address widespread feelings of loneliness and isolation. The team at Debretts suggests five simple steps for getting eyes up, greetings flowing, and interactions happening positively when we are out and about. They are encouraging all of us to make an effort to interact positively, not just with the people we know and love but with those who we encounter in our communities and on our journeys.
This kind of thinking is not new to us. Dan’s office is practically next door to Ben and Jerry’s flagship facility, and they were early proponents of the Practice Random Acts of Kindness campaign. The thinking that inspires it has been a part of the Emily Post community for years. Let someone else go first. Pay a toll for the person behind you. Smile when you catch someone’s eye in public. Try a little bit of kind action to make someone’s day better. We are used to thinking about the benefits that accrue to communities where this kind of behavior takes place, but today, we are reminded of how beneficial it is for the person doing it as well.
The potential to feel connected to others, to cultivate a sense of belonging, and to simply share a smile are all around us. The bonds that allow us to escape from feelings of loneliness and isolation don’t have to take years to form. It is possible that they can be felt, at least to some degree, with just the slightest effort from each of us. It all begins with a willingness to engage and the intention to do it well.
We hope you feel inspired to spread a little joy yourself and not doubt the power of simply connecting with someone through eye contact, a greeting, and a “have a nice day.”
SIGNED COPIES of Emily Post Etiquette - The Centennial Edition can be purchased through our independent bookstore partner, Bridgeside Books. Get yours today; they make for excellent gifts!
Did you help someone smile today? Please let us know about it in the comments. As always, this Monday post has a comment thread that is open to all for you to post your etiquette questions for the podcast, feedback, and salutes for good behavior you’re seeing out in the world.
Thank you for sharing some of your attention with us today. Next up is the Thursday Article. Until then, take good care.
All the best,
Dan and Lizzie
Happy-Monday Joke
Q: "What did one wall say to the other?"
A: "I'll meet you at the corner.”
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