Friday, October 19, 2012

Get Your Groove Back This Weekend!



It’s that time of the week again, when most people heave a sigh of relief that they’re getting out of the office for two whole days, to spend time with family, friends and socialize.

You’d be attending parties and all kinds of social gatherings. But letting your hair down doesn't equate to letting your manners or social graces slide. So, here’s some heart-to-heart chat about etiquette for this groovy weekend.
         
Do make prior arrangements for a babysitter. Last minute calls to friends and family to mind your kids are poor taste. They could have their own groove to rock too. Save everyone the ill feelings and fix that today; right now (That’s if you didn't do it last week).
     
Ladies, if you’re being escorted to a function, then don’t keep your escort waiting. You should be ready before he arrives. 10 minutes to grab your stole, check your make up and let him have a chit-chat with whoever you’re home with, is in order though. Secret: If he’s a new date that gives whoever you’re home with enough time to size him up. (Essential)
        
NEVER go join him in the car after he honks his car horn. Real gentlemen make an effort to pick you from the front door and not you jumping into the car like a hussy.
      
Remember, your attire should suit the occasion. Try not to be overdressed or under dressed  A good idea of what event you’re attending goes a long way in smoothing your path in this aspect. When in doubt, you can never go wrong with an LBD and accessories.
       
 Do ensure that your breath is really fresh. Bad breath is a huge turn-off and you are on a socializing spree, so why spoil the fun? A couple of mint in that cute little purse would go a long way.
      
  Ladies always wear slips. No underwear is meant to show, remember. Unless you’re going exotic dancing and are one of the dancers.
       
Guys, please and please check your fly before stepping out the door. Popped buttons or ruined zippers could really mar your evening’s fun.   
         
Guys do ensure that your tank is full and car serviceable. It’s ungentlemanly to pick your date and drive to the gas station for a re-fill. It’s even worse to have a vehicle breakdown to or from your timeout together. Do your homework first, before including her in the equation.
        
It’s unacceptable to arrive at your host’s place late. The definition of late varies from one culture to another, so do understand what being late means to him/her. In Nigeria, a lot of people do the ‘African time’ thing, so 10-15 minutes after the stipulated time is still pardonable. Same thing in Mexico, where 30-minute lateness is OK  However, this is intolerable in a place like Germany. 5 minutes after, is late and 10 minutes late is rude. Understand your host’s culture.
       
Always compliment your hostess’ cooking; even if it tastes like cardboard. It’s not being fake; it’s being courteous and appreciative. At least she made an effort.
      
If you don’t drink alcohol and you’re offered one, politely decline and ask for something else instead. Don’t go acting like a ‘holier-than-thou’, condemning those who do drink and sermonizing about the effects of drinking.
      
After dinner’s served, follow your host’s lead.
       
Do avoid confrontational/controversial topics like religion or politics.
        
Do eat small bites of food and with your mouth closed. I’m sure you wouldn't want to be caught with your full and unable to contribute your own bit to a lively conversation.
       
This is obvious, but some people still take it for granted. Please don’t get drunk at your host’s party. You’d never be able to erase that undignified memory in people’s mind and you’d be a source of embarrassment to your host and those who know you. If you've got sorrows to drown with alcohol, then do it in your closet.
       
If you’re driving, please avoid the bottle. Accidents have a higher frequency at weekends because a lot of drivers drink and drive. Do stay safe.
      
It’s proper to go with a gift to your host’s function.
       
Don’t leave the dinner table before your host. It’s rude to do so unless it’s an absolute emergency.
       
Always speak in well-modulated tones and not scream. If a question is thrown at you from across the table, you’d automatically get everyone’s attention without yelling. Otherwise stick to making small talk with people within hearing distance, at least until dinner’s over.
       
NEVER make or receive calls at dinner. Your phones should be either switched off or on vibrate. They shouldn't have any business on the table. Same thing with your purse. Your purse should either be between your back and the chair, or between your thighs.
 
As you put these tips to practice, I’m sure you’d stand out from every other person who still carries on as usual. Your finesse would be impossible to hide. (Wink) Have a really groovy weekend, while I prepare more etiquette tips for you. Ciao! 

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