Showing posts with label manners. Show all posts
Showing posts with label manners. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Labor Day Travel

Manners or the lack there of has been in the new a lot, so we decided to post different ways to rekindle the use of good manners.
With Labor Day arriving this weekend, many people travel to take advantage of the long weekend.

This is a blog posting from Lisa Gache from Beverly Hills Manners, who notes some valid points regarding travel:

So how to enjoy the flying experience when we are bombarded with so many negative elements that make it virtually impossible? Here are a few helpful reminders to restore safety and civility and set us soaring in the friendly skies once more.
1. Dress for yourself and your fellow passengers. I don't care if you're flying to the Caribbean or Hawaii, forget the flip flops and short shorts and put on something decent for the plane! Years ago, passengers and flight attendants would "dress" for flying. It was all very civilized. Over time, comfort became the norm and all of the sudden everyone started looking disheveled. Nowadays, it is entirely possible to appear quite chic while still being comfortable. When it comes to shoes, select something closed toe and easy to slip off at the security gate. Don't forget to wear socks. Nothing is worse than stepping barefoot on the airport flooring. Wear deodorant, but go easy on the cologne and perfume. It's a good idea to pack some lip ointment and hand creme to combat dry skin. Ladies, put a little lipstick on for goodness sake! You never know who you're going to meet on a plane.
2. Take a chill pill. If you have a severe aversion to standing or waiting in line, do not fly! Unless you hire a special airport greeter or are flying business or first, you must be patient and grin and bear the cattle calls. Getting agitated only makes matters worse. Bring a magazine or book so you can read passively while waiting to check your bags or go through security. To pass the time, you can always fill out your luggage tag. Keep your identification card handy as well as your boarding ticket. You will be asked to show proof of both repeatedly.
3. Be prepared for small annoyances. There is no way to avoid the safety ritual of walking through security. Everyone must remove their shoes and jackets and risk a pat down by a security officer. To make things easier, wear shoes and outer garments that are easily removed and quickly organize your belongings and place them in the open containers for the x-ray machine. Make sure to separate your laptop in its own container for easy viewing. Remove all jewelry and accessories that may set off the alarm.
4. Avoid confrontation. Make it easier on yourself as well as the flight attendant by not attempting to stuff your entire closet into your carry-on luggage. If you cannot lift your bag and place it in the overhead bin on your own, the flight attendant will be forced to help you and may question its size or weight, especially if they see you struggling to jam it into a small compartment. Avoid going down this road and either pack lighter, check your bag or call a delivery service like FedEx to deliver your bag door to door in advance. It's not worth getting in to an argument on this one, the airlines will always win.
5. Respect personal space. In this tube 30,000 ft. in the air, everything is exaggerated. Some people do not wish to engage and prefer keeping quietly to themselves. Be respectful towards those around you and read their signals. (a) If you are bringing your own food on to the plane, keep it simple. Do not stink up the plane with smelly cheeses or a really pungent dish. (b) If someone is reading a magazine or book, do not engage them in conversation as they may not wish to be disturbed. (c) If you are tired, rest your weary head on your own chair with your blanket and use only one armrest for your arms. (d) Make sure to use the restroom before being seated to avoid musical chairs throughout the flight. (e) Before reclining your seat abruptly, check behind you to give your fellow passenger a heads up. They will appreciate it.6. Curb the cell phone conversation. There is nothing that equally worries and annoys fellow passengers and flight attendants alike than someone who chooses to completely ignore the FAA's rule to turn off all cell phones and other electronic equipment while in-flight. The jury is still out as to whether the radio signals from these devices can interfere with flying equipment so for the safety of everyone, cut it out and follow the rules!!!7. Check yourself, not just your bags. If you are in a bad mood, take a few breaths and calm down. The airport and flying experience is hard enough without the attitude. Present a cheerful face, always be courteous saying "please" and "thank you" and be helpful and accommodating. This will smooth over any extenuating circumstance or accidental wrong-doing.

From: Lisa Gache Beverly Hills Manners Blog

Monday, January 5, 2009

2009 Manner Resolutions - Beverly Hills Manners

Manners Resolutions for 2009

1. Make a good impression on yourself, first. Take the time this year to focus on your health and well-being both physically as well as mentally. Strive to be a bit more organized and efficient so that you can be your most effective self both personally and professionally.
2. Smile and be friendly. Resolve to smile and be friendly with everyone you interact with this year. Whether it's a parent you pass in the hallway at school or the checkout attendant at the grocery store, everyone deserves a little acknowledgement. It is not much effort, but makes a huge difference.
3. Choose to be optimistic. We are beginning a new year, a clean slate, an opportunity for total renewal. Why not choose to proceed into these next twelve months with complete and absolute optimism. Remember a positive and optimistic attitude is most mannerly and assures a successful outcome in anything we endeavor to do.
4. Be a good listener. Humans thrive on relationships and connections with others. One way to cultivate and nurture your communications with friends and relatives is to be a good listener. This is the key to all great conversationalists and will convey your sincere interest and attention.
5. Use your table manners. So many of life's pleasures and special moments revolve around the table and dining experience. This year, aspire to be a bit more mindful of your table manners. Begin with the most simple of tasks such as refraining from talking with your mouth full of food or putting your elbows on the table. Make sure to sit up straight for good posture and say please and thank you when being served.
6. Take a breath and think before you act. This is vitally important and can save a lot of heartache and headache. We've all heard the expression "put yourself in someone else's shoes" meaning everything we do has a positive or negative effect on one another, so before you behave in a way that might upset or offend someone, take a moment to think about how they might feel and choose to do the right thing.
7. Be courteous and patient. We live in a 24/7, frenetic, automated world where common courtesy and human decency are threatening extinction. Do your part to change the tide and make 2009 a year where you are more polite and patient. From the people you stand in line with at Starbucks or share the carpool lane with on your way to work, to the caretakers who watch after your children and your families with whom you share a meal, aspire to be more considerate and a little more tolerant.
8. Master the fine art of knowing when to speak and when to hold your tongue. Being well-mannered does not mean you are obligated to be accepting of every situation. In fact, sometimes it is appropriate to stand up for yourself or something you believe in. The important thing is to be sensitive to your surroundings and adjust yourself accordingly. Be aware enough to know if the situation calls for gentle pacification, brutal honesty or something in between.
9. Give thanks and appreciate. We cannot say enough about taking a moment to be thankful and to appreciate. At a time when so many are experiencing job layoffs, personal economic turmoil or major health issues, it is more important than ever to try to find a glimmer of light and to acknowledge what you do have that is positive and encouraging.
10. Don't be stingy with the magic words. The most commonly used magic words are: please, thank you, excuse me, I'm sorry and you're welcome. This year, strive to use these words frequently and without discretion and witness firsthand a transformation from those who hear them. Notice how a few kind words or gestures can help brighten someone's day.

These resolutions are from: Beverly Hills Manners