Have you ever wondered what the difference is between etiquette and manners?
Both rely on a basic underlying principal: treat people with respect and sensitivity, making them feel comfortable, welcome and at ease in any given situation.
To put it simply, manners are what you practice when following the laws of etiquette. Both are integral to creating effective human interactions and rely on magic words.
Manners matter. The way we act affects others, and it is never too late to refresh and revise your manners. And the start of good manners and a new year begins with refreshing our use of the magic words of social society.
The Magic Words....
The building blocks of proper etiquette and good manners begin with the magic words "please", "thank you", "you're welcome" and "I’m sorry". These are the words and phrases that should be used by all of us on a daily basis and taught to children from an early age. As we welcome 2022 its important to revise our understanding and the meaning and reasoning behind using these magic words.
Magic Word #1 - "Please"
Saying please goes beyond being polite and proper. The word please is as important as thank you, and in everyday life, words such as these could mean a world of difference. No other word as simple and straightforward could settle a misunderstanding, calm tempers, and build bridges towards reconciliation
Magic Words #2 - "Thank You"
Hearing “thank you” conveys a sense of accomplishment, positive reinforcement, of appreciation. Saying it expresses your gratitude for people and things — and can open up innumerable doors. These two simple words, spoken with sincerity and conviction, can change the world.
Magic Words #3 - “You're Welcome”
When you do a favor, and someone says, “thank you,” the automatic response is “you're welcome.” It is a basic rule of politeness, and it signals that you accept the expression of gratitude—or that you were happy to help.
Magic Words #4 - “I'm Sorry”
Apologies re-establish dignity for those you hurt. ... Apologizing helps repair relationships by getting people talking again and makes them feel comfortable with each other again. A sincere apology allows you to let people know you are not proud of what you did and won't be repeating the behavior.
Magic Words #5 – “Excuse me”
You say 'Excuse me' when you want to politely get someone's attention, especially when you are about to ask them a question.
Magic Words #6 – “ May I”
'May I' is asking for someone's permission to do something. 'Can I' is asking someone if you can do something. In the old way of speaking, it is presumed that only you know if you 'can' or cannot do something. By saying 'May I' you are asking for the person in question to permit you to do whatever it is in question.