Introduction to Etiquette

MANNERS  |  GRACE  |  CONFIDENCE

"Etiquette" used to mean "Keep off the grass." When Louis XIV's gardener at Versailles discovered that the aristocrats were trampling through his gardens, he put up signs, or "etiquets," to warn them off. Still, dukes and duchesses walked right past the signs anyway. Finally, the king had to decree that no one was to go beyond the bounds of the "etiquets." Gradually, the meaning of "etiquette" was expanded to include the "ticket" to court functions, which listed the rules of where to stand and what to do. 

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Like language, etiquette evolves, but in a sense, it still means "Keep off the grass." If you stay within the flexible bounds of etiquette, you'll give relationships a chance to grow and allow yourself to grow; hopefully, no matter the situation, everything will come up roses.

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Today's new manners and styles are a sign of vitality. However, there's one thing to beware of: formlessness-having absolutely no style at all! To a great extent, usage is always codified (arranged according to a plan) to help things run more smoothly. The noted zoologist Dr. Konrad Lorenz (1903-1989) pointed out that most animals, even the irresponsible crow, have rules of protocol and decorum. Crows, with a minimum of squawking and flapping, arrange themselves on an electric wire in order of precedence from right to left. Knowing the correct way to handle any situation makes life more clear. Manners are not fake ways to put on for special occasions or in the presence of dignitaries. Manners help keep every aspect of life organized and help keep people calm and confident, taking care of yourself in any social or business situation.