We left dad at home, we left Orin at college, and we moved from here…

so Kailee could pursue this dream…

Allow me to introduce myself and why I will be presenting an occasional blog for you to enjoy. I have a BA in Business from NC State University. For the past 24 years, I have been a stay-at-home, home school mom. My son, Orin, is a senior at NC State University double majoring in Marketing and Human Resources and double minoring in English and Film Studies. Kailee, an honor student, is in the eleventh grade.

Before moving, I was owner of The Etiquette Academy where I offered classes to students interested in developing proper manners in all areas of social deportment. I felt common courtesy was becoming a lost art and that our children would bear the cost of life without social graces, therefore, I’ll be passing on some of this information in upcoming posts.

What is etiquette?

• Etiquette is more than knowing which fork to use at dinner. Just like all rules, etiquette rules have valid and meaningful reasons behind them. Good manners are necessary skills your children will use the rest of their lives and will greatly benefit their personal and business relationships. If you put rules of etiquette in your children’s heads, proper etiquette will guide their hearts. Basic etiquette rules expect us to treat others as we would like to be treated.

Where does the word come from?

• The word “etiquette” comes from the French word for ticket. Legend says that a great French king became upset because his beautiful gardens were being trampled by guests at his royal gatherings. To keep party goers off his grass, he placed warning signs, or tickets, along the garden paths posting the rules of court. The term, etiquette, became known as good manners in all social interactions.

Why do we have rules of etiquette?

• To make you and the people around you feel comfortable
• To keep you from embarrassing yourself and others
• To show others that you value their company, their efforts, and their feelings
• To fit in socially
• To show that you have personal integrity and high moral standards

Kailee said the other day after a long subway commute that she just wanted someone to smile back at her when she smiled at them. Everyone has manners; either good manners or bad manners and both are learned. Good etiquette is contagious. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see a full blown plague of proper etiquette skills spread across our city and throughout the country?

Best regards,

Karen