Whether it’ a birthday party, Christmas event, wedding or some other celebration, nothing makes a guest more welcome than excellent manners. While most of us know the old rules about keeping ours elbows off the table or saying please and thank you, there are 10 etiquette mistakes that Australians are regularly making, and not all of them are related to dinner.
We spoke to Zarife Hardy, the director for the Australian School of Etiquette, about the 10 most common etiquette mistakes she sees Australians make on a regular basis. Check out the list below and see if you’re guilty of any of these etiquette sins.
1. Terrible table manners
“Shocking table manners include talking with food in one’s mouth, the incorrect use of cutlery, elbows and wrists on the table and slouching,” says zarife.
2. Forgetting to be thankful
“When someone does something for you, say thanks!” says Zarife.
3. Tardiness
“Being late is rude, and it’s never ok to not let people know when you’re running late,” says Zarife.
4. Rudeness in general
“Being impolite to anyone, regardless of age, culture or religion, is rude,” says Zarife.
5. Not introducing people
It’s just impolite.
6. Not being present
“Using your mobile phone while physically with others (professional or personal) isn’t polite.”
7. Not RSVPing
“The host needs to cater and know how many people are attending,” says Zarife.
8. Having a one-sided conversation
“Talking about yourself the whole time is an etiquette mistake. Ask questions back,” says Zarife.
9. Road Etiquette
“Always raise your hand to say thanks when a car lets you in.”
10. Being too intoxicated
“Drinking a little too much and becoming rude, loud and obnoxious is poor manners,” says Zarife.
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