Susie Wilson, Leading Etiquette Expert
Being Rude Never Helps Anyone
Susie Wilson
Founder, and CEO of Susie Wilson Finishing and Etiquette School. Doyenne in Etiquette
February 24, 2024
1. Introduction
It is often in our lives that we do not realise the importance of politeness and even it often gives us a very good impression or a very bad impression. Human beings are always eager to gain a place in society and it is very important for everyone involved in any kind of activity. But still, some people do not understand the value of being polite, more specifically in modern life. For them, it is old-fashioned but still, the noise of it can be felt and smelt in society. Etiquette is essential.
For example, kind words and pleasing manners will produce much more desirable first impressions and, in most cases can predict the attitude and other behaviour of someone. Kindness and a good-natured manner can be noticed even in the smallest conversation. It is always common use and within everyone’s reach. Kind words and pleasing manners will produce much more desirable. So, here the importance of current modern etiquette is greatly observed. Work remains in not equal appearance, nor much less in pompous title; but in obedience to the man above and benevolence to them below. And the most curious modern etiquette, by Gregory of York, is declared to be Freemasonry. It is absurd to say that people can be happy with all and then that not. This shows that the value of modern life and modern etiquette is very precious for citizens. In many parts of the world, the importance of it is shown in different ways in daily life. What matters a lot is that in a very simple manner and with slight time spent, dignity and delightfulness in society can be made. The ways to express are widely spread. From a simple action of using a knife and fork, greeting and respect are displayed in modern life. Every detail in life counts a lot. When a person shows an example in one incident, people can be influenced and life would be much easier in terms of social cohesion. It is only a clear yes. And obedience to the man above and benevolence to them below are mainly consistent throughout the long history of humankind.
1.1. Importance of Modern Etiquette
Some may argue that the rules of etiquette are no longer important or necessary in modern society because they are old-fashioned and out of date. However, now, more than ever before, it is very important because the world is changing so rapidly. With so many advancements in technology as well as the way we communicate, it can seem like modern etiquette is constantly changing and the old rules can no longer apply. But the essence of good manners - being kind and considerate of others - will never change. Learning and practising good manners can assist and influence a person in both their personal and professional lives.
On a social level, one will find it easier to earn respect and trust from others as well as make new friends. For example, it is much nicer for everyone around if, at dinner, one does not answer phone calls or constantly texts and hence ignores those in their company. On a professional level, one will be taken more seriously if they can show that they have good manners, such as being respectful, punctual and attentive when others are talking.
This will help to improve a person's communication and networking ability and therefore make it easier to build working relationships that will help them progress in their career.
Modern etiquette is not just about which prong one should use for salad during a formal dinner or what the proper title is for a widow. These things are still important in some settings, for example, a fine dining restaurant, but really, it is about ensuring that respect and common courtesy are shown to others in everyday life and that technology is used in such a way that no one feels threatened, bullied or upset.
Modern etiquette has evolved to include the use of technology - including the internet, mobile devices and social media - and rules that help to ensure that people are kept safe from the negative impact of such things. It has been suggested that a rise in cyberbullying and the high level of dependency on digital communication has been because people do not follow or understand the importance of modern etiquette. However, if these rules are taught and applied effectively, such problems can be minimized. Modern etiquette can be seen as a way to teach society the importance of showing respect and empathy to others and to ensure that technology and modern advances do not take away the essential ability to engage with one another meaningfully.
1.2. Evolution of Etiquette in the Digital Age
In today’s world, we have more communication methods than ever before. We have spotted a transformation from physical communication to digital communication. Using technology in communication has led to a relief of the tedious issues individuals used to experience. Today, modern digital etiquette is evolving. There are new rules and forms of communication that are being introduced as technology continues to advance. For instance, with the advent of smartwatches, using a mobile phone in our contemporary society is considered to be rude and out of modern digital etiquette. It is now advisable to create and develop a new form of communication that is evolved, responsible, and responsive. With smartwatches, one will not have to be worried about forgetting his or her phone at home and fear missing vital information, though, at the same time, it may lead to how mobile phones are adapted when it comes to socializing and the social norm. Every encounter between two people results in inference, identification, and communication. For example, it is an emergence of social gaffe which is informally known as "Facebook-ing" where sort of a person updates their Facebook statuses whilst being with someone. This action and decision to choose media to depict their inner state of emotion can sometimes hurt or fulfil the emotional needs of the people the person physically is with. The decision to mock our friend in a selfie can lead to two recognized moral standards: a virtue-based and a consequence-based approach.
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