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Knowledge - Etiquette

Proper etiquette isn’t a hoity-toity thing of the past, but rather something we should all be aware of for everyday life. Whether you’re curious about current etiquette rules or etiquette mistakes that you should avoid at all costs, you’ve come to the right place

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How to Send Food Back at a Restaurant Without Being Rude, According to a Chef

Not satisfied with your meal? It's perfectly acceptable to (politely) send food back at a restaurant. Here's when and how to do it.

This One Habit Will Make You a Better Houseguest

Follow this etiquette expert's genius two-minute tip to ensure you're invited back time and again


16 Holiday-Party Etiquette Mistakes You’re Probably Making—and How to Avoid Them

Sure, you know the big missteps to avoid at the annual Christmas bash. But what about these subtle holiday-party etiquette...


How to Pluralize Last Names for Holiday Cards—Especially Tough Ones Ending in “S”

'Tis the season for holiday cards! Here's how to properly write plural last names, whether you're signing them or addressing...


How to Write a Sick-Day Email—Plus Templates to Use When You’re Under the Weather

When you feel miserable, it’s hard to craft the perfect sick-day email. We’ve done the hard part for you, so...

The Phone Etiquette Mistake Gen Z Needs You to Stop Making

Are you guilty of this phone faux pas? Here’s what you should be doing instead.


Jewish Funeral Etiquette for Non-Jews: An Attendee’s Guide to End-of-Life Events

Not all funerals are the same, even within Judaism. Here are the Jewish funeral etiquette guidelines you need to...


This Is What a Massage Therapist First Notices About You

From your intake form to your body-hair situation, here's what your masseuse registers before they even touch your body


Who Picks Up the Tab? Here’s How to Handle the Restaurant Bill in 11 Situations

We're taking the guesswork and awkwardness out of paying the restaurant bill with this tried-and-true advice from etiquette experts


10 Wedding Gift Etiquette Rules Everyone Should Follow, According to Experts

Invited to a wedding? Don't let gift-giving etiquette stress you out. Our experts offer up top tips on how to...


50 Table Manners Everyone Should Know Before They’re 30

Knowing how to behave at meals isn't just about proper etiquette. Turns out, your table manners send coded messages...


How to Eat Sushi the Right Way (Yep, You’ve Been Doing It Wrong)

Three sushi and Japanese-food experts explain how to eat sushi—the right way—and other tips for a successful sushi experience


What Is Ghosting—and Why Is It So Rude?

Simply stopping all communication with someone is poor etiquette. Here's how to avoid ghosting the people in your life—and what...

Here’s What to Say When Someone Loses a Pet

Losing a pet can be deeply sad and even traumatic, regardless of whether the animal was a furred, feathered or...


What Not to Say When Asking for a Raise—and 7 Things to Say Instead, According to Negotiation Experts

Negotiating a raise is all about empathy, compromise and asking the right questions. We have info on what not to...


A Complete Guide to Baby Shower Etiquette: Your Top Questions Answered

Who hosts a baby shower, and can you purchase off-registry? We've got expert-approved answers to your baby shower etiquette questions.


Polite Answers to 12 Rude Questions You Get Asked All the Time, According to Etiquette Experts

These rude questions may make you temporarily freeze or feel angry, but there's a way to answer them politely so...


13 “Polite” Small-Talk Questions That Are Actually Rude

Small talk can be tricky—and these questions aren't as innocent or as helpful as you think they are


11 Netiquette Guidelines to Follow for Respectful Online Interactions

Don't get caught using poor netiquette. Experts share the best practices for online behavior.


11 New Business Etiquette Rules That Will Help You Get Ahead in 2024

Feeling clueless about modern business etiquette? To be successful in the workplace (both virtual and in person), these are the...


How to Say No Politely and Firmly in Any Situation

Protecting your time, energy and sanity is important. Here's how to say no and safeguard those boundaries.


How to Say No to Kids at a Wedding Without Offending Anyone

Planning an adults-only big day? Etiquette experts share their secrets for saying no to kids at a wedding with elegance...

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Here’s How Much to Tip at the Nail Salon

Don't let a headache over how much to tip at the nail salon ruin the fun of getting your next...


How to Set a Table for Any Occasion

Not sure how to set a table properly? Whether you're planning a casual gathering or a formal, intimate dinner, this...


How to Eat Oysters Like a Pro (A Complete Guide)

Not sure how to eat oysters? Here's our step-by-step guide so you can order your next freshly shucked dozen with...


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13 Texting Etiquette Rules You Should Be Following by Now—but Aren’t

For better or worse, texting is almost as prevalent as talking, so it pays to stay on top of the...


14 “Polite” Ways You’re Talking About Weight That Are Actually Rude

Weight is a tricky topic—and these common comments aren’t as kind or helpful as you think they are


How to Eat Mussels Like You Know What You’re Doing

Want to learn how to eat mussels like a pro? We're shelling out all the expert tips.