Southern Protocol

Tis the month of resolutions; “this year I will exercise more,” “this year I will drink more water,” or “this year I will not spend my rent money on that fabulous new pair of shoes.” Or something along those lines.

While most of your resolutions are surely perfect and (somewhat) attainable, Southern Protocol would like to suggest a little resolution for us all: Be polite. Be considerate. Be charming!

In today’s society, with all the non-personal forms of communication and incredibly busy day-to-day schedules, the simplest of manners often fall to the way-side. The fall of etiquette really is a shame – think of how much it means when you receive a handwritten thank you note, or someone you don’t know holds the door open for you. It’s the little things in life that count! Proper etiquette speaks volume about you as a person, and we could all do with a little conscious effort to maintain it.

Here’s a random sampling of ways to really increase your manners this year:

1. Give genuine compliments – something deeper than, “I just love that necklace!”
2. Complete a task around the house without your roommate/significant other asking you
3. Even when at a family meal, sit up straight and use proper table manners
4. Whenever you see a stranger on the street struggling with opening a door, picking up dropped items, etc., stop and help them out
5. As always, never underestimate the importance of “please” and “thank you”

So go out and show off those manners! (Please.)