I am only 25 years old, which makes me somewhat less than an authority on the world and what makes it spin (or at least less so than someone whom has lived longer). I will, however, state that in my 25 years, I feel like I have learned a good deal. That being said, I feel it my responsibility to impart on you a few of the things that I have learned.
Co-Habitation Etiquette
When you are living with someone, be it a family member or a friend, there are certain guidelines that should be observed. Such guidelines are:
1] If you didn't buy it and you're unsure if it's up for grabs, don't eat it.
2] If you use the last of the toilet paper, replace the brown cardboard tube with a new roll (see also, Bathroom Etiquette).
3] If you don't plan on being the first person out of the driveway in the morning, then do not block the other person in.
4] If you make a mess, clean it up.
5] If it's not yours, don't loan it out to someone else.
Friendship Etiquette
1] Don't say something that you will later regret. You can never 'un-say' anything.
2] Be the kind of friend that you expect other people to be to you.
3] Be trustworthy. Period.
4] Don't be afraid to be venerable.
Bathroom Etiquette
1] Knock before attempting to enter. Always.
2] Don't pick your nose and wipe it on the wall. There is a whole roll of toilet paper next to you that you can use for that.
3] If you use the last of the toilet paper, replace the brown cardboard tube with a new roll (see also, Co-Habitation Etiquette).
4] There is a lock on the door for a reason, not to mention that the door closes and latches for the same reason. Just as much as I don't want someone barging in on me, I would prefer to not see you doing the type of thing that you do in the bathroom. Close the door.
5] Leave the bathroom the way it was when you entered it.
Restaurant Etiquette
(I would consider myself an expert on this subject before all others)
1] If you walk into a restaurant and someone comes to your table to take your order rather than standing behind a counter and in front of a dollar menu, be prepared to tip.
2] If you bring children in with you, don't let them tear up all of the napkins on the table and throw them in the floor. Someone has to clean that up and chances are they aren't being paid enough to clean up after you and your inconsiderate children.
3] A 10% tip hasn't been acceptable for the last 20 years.
4] If you can't afford to tip well, then you can't afford to eat out.
5] Servers make just over 2 dollars an hour. They depend on tips.
6] There are no places that I know of that cash verbal tips. Saying that someone did a great job does not help them to pay their bills.
7] Be patient, chances are that they have 3 other tables full of people that are just as demanding as you are being.
8] It is unwise to be rude to someone that is going to see your food before you do.
9] If there are enough people in your group that you take up a server's entire section, remember that for the time that you are sitting there, you are their only source of income.
10] When you are done eating, pay and get out (unless you tip well; not decently, well).
Phone Etiquette
1] If the phone is ringing, answer it. You may not feel like talking at that moment, but there is a good chance that the person calling is doing so for a reason. The only exception to this is if you are at work or on the toilet.
2] If you get angry with the person you are talking to, do not hang up on them. It is rude and offers no solution.
3] If you can tell that the person you are talking to is busy or needs to get off of the phone, don't start a long and drawn out story. Save it for later.
4] If you miss a call from someone, call them back. Chances are they called for a reason.
5] If I am on the phone, and you are not the person on the other end of the phone call, do not talk to me. That is rude.
6] If you get a phone call and you are in a room full of people that are talking, watching a movie, or any other activity that demands their attention, excuse yourself from the room rather than continuing your conversation in the midst of their activity. That is rude.
Feel free to share this with anyone that you feel may benefit from these pearls of wisdom.
.jpg)
