In Life, Line Ups Happen
– Good Manners Helps Them Go a Little Smoother
In today’s fast paced world, we often race around wanting to get things done as quickly as possible. And if we encounter a line that slows our progress, it’s easy to get impatient and frustrated either with the people ahead of us or with the serving staff.
At these times, it’s important to focus outside of yourself and maintain your composure and good manners.
Whenever you have to wait in line, take a deep breath and follow these guidelines for good line etiquette:
1. Allow people their personal space
While waiting in line, do not crowd the person in front of you. Allow them a foot or two of personal space. This also allows room for people to pass through the line if they need to cross to the other side. If you are waiting in a line at a store checkout, also allow the person space to complete their transaction before moving forward with your own purchases.
2. Pay attention and be respectful of people around you
As you wait in line, be aware of others around you. Try not to block the entire passageway so people who are not waiting in the line can get through. If you have personal belongings or items with you, be sure to keep them close to you and out of the way of other people.
3. Use your waiting time wisely
If you are waiting in a line to place an order, such as at a fast food restaurant or the movie theatre refreshment line, use the waiting time to determine what you will order and have your payment ready. This way, you are prepared when your turn comes and can make your transaction quickly and allow others to get through the line faster.
4. Be considerate of other people
If you are waiting in a line and another checkout opens beside you, it is polite to allow the customer next in line to move over first. Do not rush over from the back of the line to get ahead of the people who have been waiting longer. If you arrive at a checkout at the same time as another person, it is good manners to allow the person with the least amount of items to go first, particularly if they have one or two items and you have many.
5. Avoid the temptation to complain loudly
The service might be slow, the people ahead of you may be taking too long, and it may seem reasonable to vent your frustrations, but it rarely helps the situation and is disruptive and irritating to the people around you. If you have a legitimate concern or suggestion for improving the situation in the future, quietly mention it to the server when your turn arrives or write a letter to the management at a later time.
Dream Wedding…
… without Creating a Nightmare for Your Friends and Family
Consider Wedding Traditions When Planning that “Special Day”
Traditionally, weddings have many customs and rules but, today, it is commonly accepted that weddings are primarily about the bride and groom. If you are planning your wedding, you have a right to do it in a way that makes you happy. However, this does not condone being selfish or disrespectful to others. Weddings are an occasion to show thoughtfulness, grace, kindness, and hospitality.
As you plan your wedding, consider these traditions to determine what is most comfortable to you and considerate of your family and other guests:
1. Asking permission.
If possible, asking for permission to marry is a nice gesture to the bride’s father or parents, although it is no longer compulsory in many cultures. Regardless of whether you decide to ask for permission, it is respectful to inform the parents of both the bride and the groom of your intent to marry before announcing it to others.
2. Covering the costs.
It is said that traditionally, the bride’s parents pay for the wedding; however, that is not necessarily a given. It is quite common for the parents of both the bride and groom to share the costs or for the couple to pay for the wedding themselves. Before making plans, discuss the costs with the parties involved and determine your budget. You may also decide to reduce costs by inviting fewer guests, limiting the number of alcoholic drinks or having a cash bar.
3. Feeding the crowds.
Weddings and receptions that span the dinner hour generally include a meal and some type of beverage. Although, alcoholic beverages are often expected at weddings, it is no longer a requirement and may be replaced by non-alcoholic punch, water, or tea and coffee. When choosing the food, consider the various diet restrictions that guests may have, including diabetes, vegetarian, vegan, food allergies, and so on. If possible, arrange for a selection of foods so no one is left with nothing they can eat.
4. Planning the entertainment.
No celebration would be complete without some form of entertainment. When choosing a band or DJ, consider the full age range of the guests. The party will most likely consist of both the young and the elderly – all looking forward to taking part on this happy occasion. Be sure your chosen entertainer can accommodate the entire range of guests.
Your wedding is “your special day” and it will feel even more special when you know that your guests are comfortable and enjoying themselves.
