Tuesday, January 5, 2010

ETIQUETTE FOR THE NEXT DECADE: OUR WISHES


Yvette’s


That people will stop putting their feet on furniture that doesn't belong to them
(including public transportation, the office, at the theater and other public meeting spaces).

That young people will stop calling older people sweetie or any other term of endearment

That people will go back to saying you're welcome, instead of no problem or no worries

The stroller brigade will learn to make room for pedestrians at the curb and on the sidewalk and not shoot dirty looks as if you didn’t seek permission from them.

That people will drive sober, with respect and not tweet, text or chat on the
phone while driving, more than minding your manners, this is about minding one’s life

That inside and outside voices will disappear and there will be one voice, for children and adults

That people will stop checking messages at the movies, theatre or any other public space that can cause a distraction to others

That people will not chew gum in public, so that they don’t look like cows, (that’s what our teachers use to say)

That the use of profanity in public is punishable by a fine

That guys stop showing us their underwear, and girls stop showing off their thongs, both need to pull up their pants

Yvonne’s

That people will use my beautiful linen guest towels instead of my beautiful personal towels

That parents will not let their kids walk all over seats in public places (I’m miserable when I wear my white coat, have to stand)

That people wouldn’t answer their phone if they’re already on another call or cut off a conversation for another call as if they’re PR flacks

That men will be more gentlemanly and give a lady a seat at a bar, oh and on buses and trains

That people will stop telling us how much Yvette and I look alike again and again

That women stop jabbing their handbags into the chests and stomachs of others, the same goes for backpacks

That double dippers stop double dipping

That grown-ups stop holding their forks and knives the way they did when they were 8 years old

That buttiquette becomes an acceptable code of behavior

That people will find more interesting ways to start a conversation other than ask, “What do you do?” (due to high unemployment, it’s almost rude)

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you! I will do my part. What a great list! Happy New Year to both of you.

XXOO - Keith

Anonymous said...

Your advice leaves me weak and wishing for the old days...

NMAC GEMS said...

Hello Ladies,

I love the list. I would like to know if you facilitate etiquette workshops? If so, is there a fee? I can be contacted at asiamccoy@gmail.com

Sincerely,

Asia S. McCoy BS BSN, RN

Tecia said...

Love that list Yvonne. In response to that last one for many years when I'd be at a party and a person would start out by saying, "What do you do?" I'd respond with, "Do you mean for fun or for money?" Some folks would be somewhat taken aback at first but then I think could see the ridiculousness of defining someone within the first 2 seconds of meeting them by their job. Thanks for this site!