Etiquette: It all comes down to Awareness

In the age of exposing yourself on facebook, wearing your pajamas in public, Maury Povich, low-class reality dating shows, and the occasional fun in being an internet troll, etiquette has gone out the window. Young girls look up more to Snooki and Kim Kardashian than they do Michelle Obama, which, politics aside, is pretty sad.

Etiquette doesn't have to be stuffy and old-fashioned. It's not about making sure you're using the right fork or curtseying the proper way. Today's etiquette can simply be summed up by being aware of yourself, aware of others, and aware of your surroundings or potential surroundings. You have to remember that, no matter what your mommy told you, the world does not revolve around you. And, when you try to make it that way, often times it not only embarrasses you, but anyone who would have the misfortune of being associated with you. There's a huge difference between confidence and narcissism.

Etiquette comes down to simple things. Say 'please' and 'thank you,' and teach your kids to say 'please' and 'thank you.' Throw in an 'excuse me' or a 'you're welcome' once in a while, too. Manners and courtesy go a long way. Say hello when you pick up the phone, even with Caller ID. And, most importantly, LISTEN to others. We're a multi-tasking world and feel the need to be entertained at all times, and it's killing us. Sit down, free of distractions, and really pay attention to who you are speaking to. Stop thinking of the next thing you are going to say because it's not all about you.

And, when you're driving, walking, at the gym, etc., get off the phone. Nothing is more irritating and frightening than to watch someone weaving in and out of their lane and realize that they are on a cell phone. NOTHING is so important that you should even think about diverting your attention from the task at hand. That, and when you're in public on the phone, you may think you look cool and important...the truth is most people think you're obnoxious and arrogant and no one wants to hear your conversation.

Along with etiquette comes dressing properly. We've all seen People of Walmart and the hilarity it provides. No one wants to be on that site. It's really not that hard to throw on a pair of jeans and a nice shirt. I promise. So please don't wear your pyjama's in public. It may be comfortable but you look like a lazy idiot who's going nowhere in life. And those who tell you appearances don't matter are selling you something. They do. They shouldn't always, but they count for a lot. Ask anyone who's ever been overweight (and I can raise my hand to this). The world is much harder when you don't appear to care about your looks. Even subconsciously, people are making judgements about you...when they aren't thinking about themselves.

There's also just basic behavioral things one should think about. The volume of your voice should be directly proportional to the audience you are addressing. If you are talking to one person, the whole room should not hear what you have to say. Don't point, don't stare. Little kids are taught that, but I frequently see adults forgetting it. BE ON TIME. Life does happen, but plan for it. Unless asked, don't bring up religion or politics and if it does happen, keep a civil head about it. Really. Nothing will make you and whatever idea you believe in look more foolish than if you throw a fit about someone disagreeing with you. And, it's always better to be over-dressed than under-dressed.

The best thing to help all of this? Knowledge. The commercials of my childhood were right: knowledge is power. Do a little bit of homework before going anywhere. Are you going to a wedding? What's the dress code? Are you going to a dinner party? What does the host do for a living; what are their hobbies? First date? Where are you going, what is the price range, the atmosphere? With Yelp and Google and Facebook, there's no excuse for you to not know certain things. Educate thyself. When you pay attention, when you are aware, people will respond kindly. Part of being a pinup is to still project an air of glamour, even if you're in your skivvies. If you're about as aware as the woman on Maury Povich testing to see if man #37 is her baby's daddy, you will never master the art of the pinup. Sorry.

Oh, and can we please ditch the text speak already? If you aren't actually texting, there's no reason for 'u 2 type lyk dis.' Oh, and I am a gamer. I grew up with the internet. I still don't feel the need to take my l337 speak outside of my game.