Episode 512 - Paying for Parents
Your Awesome Etiquette podcast episode for the week. Plus your weekly etiquette challenge, the Monday joke, and an etiquette extra on American flag courtesy.
On today’s show, we take your questions on what to do with a graduation photo card, whether to let a boyfriend’s parents pick up the check, and how to let people know you’ve switched from a PO Box to a home address. For community members, your question of the week is why people seem to think etiquette is only for aristocrats. Plus, your etiquette salute and a postscript segment where we talk about a new survey on incivility in the workplace.
Etiquette Extra - Flag Courtesy
The American flag is treated with the same respect as a living entity and never dips to any person or thing. It is the premier symbol of our patriotism and proclaims our country's commitment to freedom. The rules and customs explained in this article that govern the flag's care and display are something that all citizens of the United States can learn and employ.
Displaying the Flag
American flags are out in force on holidays—expecially the Fourth of July, Memorial Day (see above), Flag Day (June 14), and Veterans' Day (November 11). It's proper to fly the flag every day of the year, weather permitting, between sunrise and sunset. It may also be flown at night as part of a patriotic display as long as it is illuminated. Customarily the flag is not flown in inclement weather unless it is made of all-weather material.
When the flag is flown from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from a window sill, balcony or the front of a building, the union of the flag should go all the way to the peak of the staff, except when flown at half-staff.
The flag is suspended vertically over a street, with the union to the north on an east-west street; to the east on an east-west street.
When the flag is displayed but not flown from a staff, it should be hung flat against a wall (not tucked or draped), whether indoors or out. The union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, meaning on the observer's left. In a window it should be displayed in the same way, with the union to the left of the observer in the street.
TEST YOUR SOCIAL SKILLS With the first-ever Emily Post trivia game, Mind Your Manners! based on etiquette from Emily Post’s Etiquette, The Centennial edition. The game and the book are available signed via Bridgeside Books. Get yours today!
Weekly Etiquette Challenge
Our final magic word in our weekly series is You’re Welcome. You’re welcome often gets skipped in place of a thank you in return. It’s important not to bowl over ‘you’re welcome.’ It receives and acknowledges the appreciation; it’s not arrogant or wrong to accept it; it simply is the acknowledgment of gratitude. You can always issue your own thank you, but be sure to say something like ‘you’re welcome’ or ‘my pleasure’ or ‘happy to’ before you do.
We hope this week finds you looking forward to a memorable holiday or a few minutes of well-earned repose. The summer will fly by, but this Thurs. The 4th provides a small opportunity to slow down and savor a few moments and maybe a few firecrackers (or sparklers) as well.
All the best,
Lizzie and Dan
Happy-Monday Joke
"Why did the scarecrow win an award?"
"Because he was outstanding in his field."