OPINION: Etiquette, Rule Of Life And Society - By Chiaha Chinwendu

Some people argue that etiquette no longer matters, that the rules for good behavior are old-fashioned and out of date.  However, good behavior and manners are never out of style. Etiquette, like all other cultural behaviors, evolves to match the times.


Without etiquette, members of society would show far too much impatience and disrespect for one another, which would lead to insults, dishonesty, cheating, road rage, fist fights, and a rash of other unfortunate incidents.

Etiquette is merely a set of guidelines for politeness and good manners, the kindnesses with which we should always treat each other. It will always matter!

What Is Etiquette?

Etiquette, the complex network of rules that govern good behavior and our social and business interactions, is always evolving and changing as society changes.  It reflects our cultural norms, generally accepted ethical codes, and the rules of various groups we belong to.  

It helps us show respect and consideration to others and makes others glad that we are with them. Without proper manners and etiquette, the customs of polite society would soon disappear and we would act more like animals and less like people. Aggressiveness and an "every man for himself" attitude would take the lead.

Etiquette in Today's Society

Today's etiquette serves several important functions:

 ·         Etiquette provides personal security. Knowing how to behave appropriately in a given situation makes you more comfortable.

·         It protects the feelings of others. Proper etiquette requires that you make others comfortable and protect their feelings. You do not point out their errors or draw attention to their mistakes.

·         It makes communication clearer. Etiquette enhances communication by breaking down barriers, not erecting them.

·         It will enhance your status at work. In any working situation, you are perceived as more capable, more professional, and more intelligent if you are familiar with the proper code of conduct for the workplace.

·         It makes good first impressions. The first five to seven seconds after you meet someone are crucial. Your first impression lingers in the other person's mind long after you are gone.  If you use proper etiquette, that first impression will be a positive one.

Society and our culture are now changing so fast that it is hard for the rules of etiquette to keep up.

Etiquette Begins at Home

The reason many young people today do not know much about etiquette is because they never learned it at home--parents no longer directly teach children and teenagers etiquette. If you are reading this to learn more about proper manners and how to practice etiquette in public, your best bet is to start practicing it in private. 

It is difficult to switch on good behavior only when you feel like you "need to."  In fact, we really should not be on our best behavior only around people we barely know or want to impress. Our best behavior should be for the people we love: our friends and family.

Therefore, practice the highest standards of etiquette at home. Be sure to be polite and kind toward your spouse, parents, and children, especially your children, so they will learn from example the proper way to treat other people.

 If they grow up with etiquette ingrained in them, they will find it easier to form lasting relationships, be successful in their jobs, and move through life as the kind of people others enjoy being around. 

You also will find that etiquette becomes second nature to you rather than a set of rules, and your own life will be more pleasant.  People respond positively to those who are nice to them and who treat them with respect.

 Proper etiquette guides you in how to do this without "missing something" because you simply were not aware that something you did or did not do might be offensive to the other person.

By Chiaha Chinwendu
chyryta69@yahoo.com