Everyday Etiquette
Everyday Etiquette
doors
A man should open the door for a woman and see her in. Then he should walk around to the driver's side. When arrive, he should get out and walk round the car, open the door and help her out. This also applies when a man and woman are taking a taxi. And a younger person should open the door for an older person.
restaurants
If you want to attract the attention of a waiter, never shout, bang table or snap your fingers. Use eye contact when he looks over, or raise a hand. It is OK to ask if the service charge is included in the bill. A 10-15% of the bill is common. When you are engaged in a conversation, you don't have to say 'thank you' when he clears the table.
theatres
In Opera and Ballet, applaud at the end of each scene and at the end of the performance. It is customary to applaud at the end of a ballet solo or special dance. In opera, only begin to applaud when the last note of music has completely died away.
escalators
There is a rule in London's 426 underground escalators : stand on the right and walk on the left. But this might be different in some countries. Do not carry big objects that could block the way. To avoid accident, do not text or browse the mobile internet.
Everyday Etiquette
mobiles
Turn off or switch to silent mode when in public transport. Lower your voice when speak in the public. Should not pick a annoying ringtone. Switch off mobile and keep it away from dining table and meeting. Do not shout. Do not text, browse when walk in street. When visit someone’s home for the first time, you should not ask for WiFi password immediately.
buffet
In a buffet, do not swim upstream and you should find out where is the end of the queue. Do not put all courses in a plate or pile up food, better make several trips. Hold the plate with your left hand and get food with your right hand. Keep your distance from the person in front of you. Make separate trips for drinks and dessert.
cocktail reception
In networking events and cocktail reception, hold your drink and paper napkin with your left hand so you can shake hand with other people with your dry warm right hand. Avoid difficult food such as olives. Eat before you go because food is secondary, you don't want to impress others with a 'hungry' image.
social media
At the workplace, only use social media such as Facebook at break time, and be discrete in what you post, better use your mobile rather than your desk PC. Only use the professional media site such as LinkedIn for work-related posts. Put on a smile when you talk to a client on the phone.