Civilized behavior seeks to elevate our gaze and raise our standards.
Why do we need etiquette? Young adults, in particular, roll their eyes, wondering why they need more rules to follow. Others think that etiquette is a fancy word, and only wealthy people should know the rules of proper behavior.
Here are the facts:
- Manners are free for everybody, and it is not about the social class barrier; instead, it is about changing the mindset and increase self-awareness of our behavior conduct.
- The rituals of greetings and introducing, apologizing, and thanking, are not expensive tools they require the willingness to learn.
- I want to emphasize that etiquette is not a set of rules set in stone. We live in a dynamic society where new rules and guides to these rules become more flexible.
Here are four reasons why we need etiquette:
To facilitate our goals
Manners and etiquette govern our behavior. Good manners show the best you have to offer and smooth your way to achieving your goals.
To refine our behavior, gestures, and expressions
“Fake it till you become it.” is the advice that Amy Cuddy gives in her book Presence.
Adopting a great posture, having elegant gestures and mannerisms make your presence agreeable and noticeable. A genuine stance, gesture, head movement, facial expressions, convey a confident person, and a clear message.
To elevate our lifestyle
Embrace good manners to add a little glamour and a lot of grace in your daily life. Living with intention and choosing a graceful lifestyle, you become more appreciative of the people in your life and show appreciation and gratitude for every encounter.
To make for a fuller and freer life
Master good manners and take a step into an expanded version of you.
Developing good behavior helps you build self-esteem and self-confidence, raise yourself above the standards, and seek continuous expectations of your achievements.
Read more about the important role of etiquette and manners play in our society here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is etiquette only for wealthy people?
Not at all. Manners are free for everybody; etiquette is not about social class but about changing your mindset and increasing self-awareness of your behavior. The rituals of greeting, introducing, apologizing, and thanking cost nothing but the willingness to learn.
How can good manners help me achieve my goals?
Manners and etiquette govern our behavior, and good manners show the best you have to offer. They smooth your way toward achieving your goals by making your presence agreeable and your interactions more effective.
Can etiquette actually make me more confident?
Yes. Mastering good manners helps you build self-esteem and self-confidence, raising you above the standards and expanding what you expect of yourself. Adopting a great posture and elegant gestures conveys a confident person and a clear message; as Amy Cuddy advises, fake it till you become it.
Are etiquette rules set in stone?
No. Etiquette is not a fixed set of rules; we live in a dynamic society where guidelines become more flexible and new rules emerge. It evolves with the times while still serving to elevate our gaze and raise our standards.