Black Friday Shopping Etiquette – There Can Be Civility!

 

We have seen stories in the news for years of shoppers on Black Friday who are less than polite when driving in the parking lots, waiting in line, and while shopping. It seems odd that after a day of giving thanks, and being in the celebratory spirit, that people would turn into oafish beings. For some it is that their rude nature comes out, for others they are simply clueless, and others have shiny object syndrome.  

Following are some tips that can help make your Black Friday shopping, and holiday shopping overall, more pleasant.

Driving/Parking:

• Be mindful when driving in store/mall parking lots. The law in most states is to come to a complete stop and wait for those in the crosswalks (street and parking lots) to cross before proceeding. This doesn’t mean inching your way through.
• Do avoid driving the wrong way down the parking aisle just to get a parking spot. This often results in an impasse where neither driver has the ability or desire to move.
• In states with snow, remember that the parking spots are smaller due to snow piles so park accordingly. If snow is piled high and thick, avoid parking your extra-long truck/SUV in that spot as your tail end will be out too far in the lane for others to easily pass. It isn’t worth potential dings or scratches on your vehicle, so simply grit your teeth and look for another parking option.
• Avoid taking two parking spots as your one spot.
• If you have dropped someone off at the door, and are then waiting for them to shop, park in a regular parking space, not by the door in the “no parking” or “fire lane.” Traffic will be heavy and this will slow and hold up the flow. Under no circumstances park in the handicapped space unless you have a permit to do so and plan to go in to the store. These spaces are reserved for those who are handicapped and going inside the store to shop. These spaces are not “waiting” spaces.
• As you cross streets and parking lots, be mindful of traffic. Avoid using your cellphone or texting while crossing. It only takes an instant to ruin your holiday with an accident.
• If you bring a shopping cart out to your car, take a moment to put it in the appropriate cart return rather than by the car, or worse, in a handicapped parking space (which unfortunately happens often).

Lines:

• While waiting in a long line is often not what most people want to be doing, you will eventually have your turn.
• Don’t arrive early and then hold spots in line for your friends/family who plan to come a little later. How do you feel when this has happened to you?
• Remember that the cashiers are doing their best and it is quite challenging to work with angry shoppers. Even the volume and constant stream of shoppers can be tiring.
• When waiting in the checkout line and a new register opens, allow those who were ahead of you to go next. Don’t just jump to that register out of que.

Shopping:

• No cutting in front of, or pushing others out of the way, to get to an item you are wanting to purchase.
• Help keep the items on the shelves neat. If you need to search for the color or style you need and it is towards the back of the grouping, be sure you don’t leave the items all askew.
• Never ever take something out of another shopper’s hands or cart.
• Pick up after yourself in the dressing room. You know how annoying it is to go into a dressing room full of clothes on the hooks, benches, and chairs.
• Be careful with your shopping cart. So many people seem to push and shove others with their carts on Black Friday that traffic patrols and/or lights would be helpful.
• Be mindful of those with disabilities, in motorized carts, and parents with children in strollers. It is challenging enough to be out shopping when you have limited mobility, let alone on Black Friday.
• When in a shopping mall or store, avoid walking three or more across, thereby creating difficulty for others to pass. Walking single file is often needed.
• Avoid texting and talking on your phones as you are walking in order to avoid bumping into other shoppers or carts. Step to the side out of the way for calls and texting.
• The “magic words” are still; magic!:  Please, Thank You, Excuse Me, I’m Sorry, May I Help You?

Dining:

• Order quickly. If necessary, stand back from the line to peruse the menu items before getting in line. You have likely had the unfortunate experience of waiting while someone in front of you is still trying to decide what to order...while your stomache is growling. 
• When dining at the mall or other fast food restaurants, do clean up after yourself, tossing trash, putting away tray, and ensure that the table isn’t full of crumbs. Yes, you are in a hurry, though just as you appreciate when the table is cleared when you arrive, others also appreciate this.

 

 

 

 

 

Halloween Etiquette for Adults

Are you ready for Halloween?

Have you purchased candy that you enjoy or that you think the kids will enjoy?

Should you give items other than candy?

Is it OK to visit another neighborhood to trick-or-treat?

 

Photo Courtesy of: http://freeclipartnimages.blogspot.com

Some of you may go all out with costumes and decorating, while others of you will be happy simply handing out candy, and some of you may choose to be tucked away in your home with the lights off! It has been some time since I dressed up for Halloween though always have fun giving out candy and seeing the children in their costumes.

Following are Halloween etiquette tips to help make it more enjoyable for all!

Wishing you a delightful (or is that frightful?) Halloween!

• If you are driving children, do stay within your neighborhood. It isn't polite to drive a group of children to another neighborhood because it is thought that "they have better candy."

• Lights on if you want trick-or-treaters; lights off to discourage. Of course, be aware that children may will still ring the bell when your lights are off, thinking you perhaps forgot to turn them on.

• A good age range for trick-or-treating is from young child to age 12. Once kids reach their teens, door to door trick-or-treating is discouraged. Teens can still be involved in the fun and accompany younger children out for trick-or-treating, hand out candy, or attend an age-appropriate party.

• If teens arrive at your door for candy, be gracious and provide them with candy also. No need to be a curmudgeon.

• It is best to provide store-bought candy rather than homemade items for safety reasons.

• While we may think it is clever to give pencils, erasers, notebooks, and non-candy items, kids would rather have candy.

• Remember to purchase candy that you think the children will enjoy, not that you enjoy (and hope to have leftover). A recent article in the Huffington Post listed the "9 Most Hated Halloween Treats." Take heed. Here are the nine:

                1.  Candy Corn              6. Smarties
                2.  Mary Janes               7. Whoppers
                3.  Bit-O-Honey              8. Things That Aren't Candy
                4.  Tootsie Rolls             9. Things That Aren't Even Edible
                5.  Good and Plenty

• Consider throwing a Halloween party at your home for young people. 

 

• Consider getting into the spirit of Halloween and dressing up in a costume whether you are out walking your children, driving them, or you are answering the door. While adults are too old to actually be trick-or-treating, they aren't too old to get into the spirit of Halloween and to have fun!

Halloween Etiquette for Kids

Are your children ready for Halloween? Have your children been planning their costumes since early September? Thinking about all the good candy they will be receiving? Refreshing their Halloween manners? I am guessing "yes" on the first three questions, though "no" on the last question! As Halloween is this week, it is a good time to help them brush up on their Halloween manners. Here are some tips you can share with your children and even post on your fridge. Happy Halloween! 

 

• Be kind about the costumes of others. Never say someone has a "stupid" costume.

• The best time to trick-or-treat is from 7:00pm to 9:00p. It is polite to wait until most people have had dinner, and to finish before people begin getting ready for bed.

• When you see lights are off at a home, don't ring the doorbell. Just go on to the next house that has the lights on.

• Go to each home only once, even if you think some have the best candy and you want to go for more.

• Respect other peoples' property and never smash or take someone else's pumpkins.

• Ring the doorbell or knock only once and give people time to answer the door. If there is no answer, don't ring or knock again, just go on to the next house.

• When offered a bowl of candy, take only one piece unless encouraged to take more.

• If you are offered a bowl of candy to choose from, don't search through the bowl to find your favorite even if you are tempted. Take a piece near the top of the bowl and within easy reach.

• Some adults will instead put the candy into your bag or bucket so don't reach or ask for more.

• If you receive a type of candy you don't like, avoid making a face. Simply say "thank you." Remember you might be able to exchange it later with a friend, sibling, or share it with your mom or dad.

• Always use your best manners. Wait your turn in line. Remember to say "trick or treat" and "thank you."

• Some grown ups find it fun to provide you with a trick rather than a treat. Never show disappointment. Be polite and say "thank you." After all, it is "trick-or-treat." There will most likely be candy at the next house.

• It is kind to share your candy with your siblings and parents.

• If your brother or sister received candy that you want, ask them politely if they would exchange some of their candy for your candy, remembering to use "please" and "thank you." Never just reach over and take their candy. Avoid sulking or becoming angry if they don't want to exchange. Appreciate the candy you received.   

"Business Etiquette Essentials," Class, Friday, Nov. 8, 2013

"Business Etiquette Essentials," Class,
Friday, November 8, 2013, Twin Cities

Give yourself the competitive advantage!

Learn to Navigate the Nuances!

What do you do when meeting a customer at a coffee shop and find he is on a call?
Have you wondered who to introduce to whom?
What do you do when you realize you’ve given someone a poor handshake?
What do you do when you’ve forgotten someone’s name?
How many business cards to share at networking events?
Whom do you introduce first in a business introduction?
Can you “friend” a customer on Facebook?
Have you ever taken a call or checked your email while in a business meeting?
Do men get the chair for a female colleague at a business meal?
Have you ordered a salad at a business meal?
When do you begin discussing business at a business meal?
What does “business casual” really mean?
What body language can erode credibility?
Can you swear at work?What is "business casual?"

DESCRIPTION
During this program you will learn skills that will give you the ability to interact confidently and communicate more effectively, and the skills needed to put others and yourself at ease. Topics covered:

* Introduction of Self and Others
* How to Respond to Introductions 
* Basic Body Language
* Types of Handshakes and Their Meaning
* Business Card Protocol
* Techno Savvy
* Conversation Skills Basics
* Tips for Remembering Names
* Tasteful and Taboo Topics
* Business Dining Etiquette Skills (Host and Guest Duties, Understanding the Table Setting, Oops! What to Do, Gracefully Paying and Tipping, Alcohol)
* Impact of Color in Business
* Defining Business Casual Attire
* Handling Embarrassing Situations

9:00a-2:00p (registration 8:50a)
$179, Axel's Charhouse, Roseville, MN

REGISTER HERE

"Social & Dining Etiquette Class for Teens," (Ages 12-16), Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013, Twin Cities

"Social and Dining Etiquette for Teens," (Ages 12-16)
Saturday, November 9, 2013, Twin Cities

Have you wondered if your teen is on their best behavior when away from home?

Does your teen remember to shake hands and introduce himself or herself
when meeting new people?

Does your teen understand how to use the placeware at a formal meal?

Does your teen understand the appropriate etiquette for social media?

Provide your teen with the skills to be successful and build self-esteem, character, confidence, and social skills through an age appropriate interactive class on etiquette.

 

DESCRIPTION

Your teen will cover a multitude of areas in this interactive program:

* Introductions, Greetings, Proper Handshakes

* Etiquette at Home

* Etiquette When Out and About

 * Being A Good Sport

 * Dining Etiquette

 * Social Media Etiquette & Safety
* Importance of Thank You Notes

9:00a-1:00p (registration at 8:50a)

$129, Axel's Charhouse, Roseville, MN

REGISTER HERE

 

Royal Baby Etiquette - Six Tips

Six Tips for Proper Etiquette Regarding the Royal Birth

(photo: Chris Weeks/Getty Images)

Congratulations to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, on the arrival of their baby boy! Such an exciting time! As a well-wisher in all of the current and coming excitement of the royal birth, it can be easy to make some faux pas. Here are some tips for all of us, including tips for the media, on the etiquette of the royal baby’s birth.
 

Allow the new parents some time and space. Having a child, especially the first child, is a big life change for parents, let alone for royal parents with a child that is third in line for the throne. New parents need their time, space, and privacy. Give them the opportunity to enjoy the early days with their new baby. While many of us would be interested in minute by minute reports on the baby and the Duchess, it is best to allow the immediate family time to bond without cameras and microphones on ready standby.

Avoid negative comments. For all, and especially the media, please avoid saying or printing comments such as “oh my, did you see what they just did?” or “why wasn’t the baby…?,” or “do you think they chose the right nannies?” It is kind to simply keep such comments to oneself.

Curb the tendency for the “shoulds” and offering unsolicited advice. While your intentions may be good, it will come across as criticism. Advice such as “the parents really should…,” (not allow, provide, not tolerate, watch more closely…, etc.) “the grandparents really should…” (stop, start), or “the baby really should…" (be fed, changed, covered) are simply not needed. Parents know their baby best and when the child needs to eat, be changed, in a sweater or socks. Remember that the baby will let them know some of these needs too! If you are a parent, think back to how these “shoulds” made you feel. Likely you felt inadequate with your first child's birth. Many parents feel this on their own without the shoulds from others.

Avoid comparisons. There is no need to compare your baby to the royal baby, or your parenting style to the Duke and Duchess’s parenting style. In this case, such comparisons are usually made to make oneself feel superior and/or the others to feel badly. For example, “my baby was so smart that she was walking within a week,” “talking within too weeks,” or “so strong that he grew a foot in a month”. Or, “when my baby was six months old, I would never have…” You get the idea.

Avoid making derogatory comments or a fuss about the baby’s name. “I can’t believe they’d choose that name! What were they thinking?” or even, “Thank goodness they chose a normal name for a change. Seems people these days are making up the oddest names.” Baby names are personal and may have familial or historical significance, especially in the case of the Duke and Duchess who may choose the baby’s name based on tradition. Simply be supportive.

Want to send a gift? Gifts will be sent to the royal couple from across the globe, many of which will likely be donated. Instead, send the gift you would have provided to a local charity in the Duke and Duchess’s name. The charity will likely be most appreciative.

 

Finally, my advice to the Catherine and William in responding to any unsolicited or unwelcome input, comparison, or comment regarding their parenting and/or the Royal Baby. A simple, "thank you for sharing" will do. Wishing you a world of happiness!

Civility Is Honesty

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