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Archive for the Out and About Etiquette Category

The Power of Simplicity

By on December 8, 2013   /   Etiquette Tips, Out and About Etiquette, relationship building, Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment

It was a simple gesture, but one with appreciable effect.

As I riffled through my snail-mail, a handwritten envelope caught my eye. I smiled a big smile and read a simple “thank you” card from an individual who attended a recent civility workshop I conducted. I met him for the first time that evening of the workshop. His message was simple: “I enjoyed the class very much. You do a great presentation. Thanks again.” That’s a picture of the card that brought a huge smile to my face. The card I placed on my kitchen counter and I smile each time I see it.

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Inconsiderate Inconspicuous Invitations

By on September 25, 2013   /   communication skills, Out and About Etiquette, relationship building, Uncategorized   /   4 Comments
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Have you ever been part of a conversation that resembles this one?
Friend: Hey – What are you doing Friday night?
With thoughts of an invitation for a couples dinner at a hip new restaurant or a fun girls night out, you reply:
Nothing. Why? What’s going on?
Friend: Excellent! My husband and I are going out to dinner with a few other couples and we’d love to drop the kids off at your house to play with your kids while we go out (OR We need someone to walk the new puppy OR a designated driver OR a chauffeur for kids OR…).
Dumbfounded You : Uh. Uh. Uh.

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Guilt and the Thank You Note

By on June 3, 2013   /   Etiquette Tips, gift giving and receiving, Out and About Etiquette, Uncategorized   /   2 Comments

Nothing makes my day more than writing a blog post about a real-life etiquette situation because it means that it’s REAL. I love  keeping it real with our interactions. None […]

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RSVP = Please, Please, PLEASE Reply

By on May 16, 2013   /   Out and About Etiquette, Party Manners, Uncategorized   /   4 Comments

If you were to take a survey of the etiquette violation I hear the most about, I have a VERY clear winner. Failure to RSVP. I hear about this etiquette […]

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Does a Simple “No” Do the Trick?

By on April 4, 2013   /   Etiquette Tips, Out and About Etiquette, Party Manners, Uncategorized   /   10 Comments

A thoughtful friend recently e-mailed me for my opinion on the subject of declining an invitation. She wrote:
“I think the polite way to decline is a simple, “Oh, I’m sorry. That date won’t work for me.” Maybe with your mother or your best friend, you elaborate, but in general, I think elaborating looks like excuse-making or groveling. I’m stunned to find that my way is seen as the impolite way and the polite way is, “Oh, I’m sorry. On the 16th, I’m going to a dinner gala with friends.” Or whatever…

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When In Rome, Do As The Romans Do

By on March 20, 2013   /   Out and About Etiquette, Uncategorized   /   5 Comments

My husband and I are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary by taking a special trip to Italy! I have never visited Italy. I’m SO excited thinking about the amazing and […]

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What’s a Girl at a Boy Scout Meeting To Do?

By on February 21, 2013   /   Etiquette Tips, Out and About Etiquette   /   Leave a comment
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What is the etiquette when you are a guest – at a meeting; in a house of worship that is a different religious denomination than yours; or in a foreign country while their national anthem is being sung or recited? What should you do when pledges, songs or anthems are being spoken or sung, but yet you either don’t know the words or don’t “own” them?

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A Simple Thank You

By on February 5, 2013   /   Etiquette Tips, Out and About Etiquette, relationship building, Uncategorized   /   6 Comments

The start of our conversation went like this…. “Hey Girls! Time for me to write a blog. Why don’t I write from a perspective of a high school student. What […]

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Diners Misbehaving at Dinner

By on October 24, 2012   /   Etiquette Tips, Meal time manners, Out and About Etiquette   /   Leave a comment

I have a renewed appreciation for servers of the world because, quite honestly, we diners are not always the best mannered. And yes, although servers could always use a bit of dining awareness, the stories of REALLY rude diners are plentiful! Here are a few friendly reminders for when you venture out to eat next time.

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This ONE Attitude Could Change Our Political Climate

By on October 12, 2012   /   communication skills, Etiquette Tips, Out and About Etiquette, relationship building   /   10 Comments

I just can’t help myself! I must make my political views known!

Before you read ahead to find out if I’m a donkey, an elephant, or still touring the zoo, please know that my political party is unique. Its’ characteristics and talking points are unlike anything you’ll likely ever witness during our nation’s election mania.

I am not a DEM, or REP or IND.

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Nothing's Finer Than A Fine Young Diner

Use these table manners tips to turn your child into a delightful diner!  Read Kelly’s article as featured in Eastern Home and Travel Magazine.

fine young diner article

Pack Your Manners

Traveling with kids? Read Kelly’s article as published in Eastern Home & Travel

Networking Etiquette: What Do You Know?

Thank you to Team Network for having me as their guest speaker at their Netfast in Rockville, MD. Click on the link to watch our netiquette discussion.

Team Network Netfast

Manners Schmanners! Read Kelly’s Interview in FindIt Frederick!