This article was co-authored by Tami Claytor and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.
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What specific words and actions are considered polite varies among cultures, but the foundation is universal. When you break it down, being polite just means treating other people with respect and empathy. In this respect, being polite is less about following specific rules and more about simply treating others the way you'd like to be treated. We talked to lifestyle, relationship, and etiquette experts to find out how you can make being polite a natural and normal part of your personality.
Being Respectful and Polite
- Say "please" and "thank you."
- Chat about light, positive conversation topics.
- Listen actively and show an interest in other people.
- Be considerate of others and your surroundings.
- Say "excuse me" or "sorry" when interrupting or intruding.
- Respect local cultural norms and customs.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionIs it necessary to be polite?Tami ClaytorTami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.
Etiquette CoachI mean, it's not mandatory, but I don't know why you'd go out of your way to be rude! There's nothing wrong with being polite, and it's the kind thing to do. -
QuestionHow can I deal with someone who is actively being mean?Tami ClaytorTami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.
Etiquette CoachI always recommend not engaging. Walk away, ignore them on social media, and let it go because this person obviously is looking for attention or a fight. If this person doesn't know you, don't get your blood pressure elevated over someone you don't know. If it's someone you're close with, take a minute or two to really collect your thoughts and approach them about it. Make sure your intention is to go in and say, "this affected me, but I really do value our friendship and how can we make sure this doesn't happen again?" -
QuestionWhat should I do when my fiance and I went to a restaurant where he saw sitting at another table his female colleague? This colleague was interested in him before knowing he's with me. He asked me to go say hello together with him, but I refused and sat down at our table. He went to say hello.Tasha Rube, LMSWTasha Rube is a Licensed Social Worker based in Kansas City, Kansas. Tasha is affiliated with the Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth, Kansas. She received her Masters of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Missouri in 2014.
Licensed Master Social WorkerYou should realize that he did choose you over his colleague, and he intentionally asked you to be there with him to greet her. That would be his way of showing you that he has chosen you, and a sign to the colleague of whom he has chosen to be his significant other. If you continue to have insecurities you should have a respectful conversation with your fiance about your concerns and identify some ways to help each other cope.
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Tips
Tips from our Readers
- Non-verbal gestures and greetings vary across countries, cultures, and religions. What is seen as acceptable for one may not necessarily acceptable for another. For example, in some Arabic countries, individuals don’t shake hand with members of the opposite gender, as their religion prohibits non-essential touching and physical contact with such individuals.
- If you see someone you think may need help, ask if they need assistance first. Otherwise, you may intimidate them without even realizing it.
- You can also say 'Pardon?' as a polite way of receiving clarification if you misheard someone.
- Always say "excuse me" when you cough, toot, sneeze, or burp.
References
- ↑ Jessica George, MA, CHt. Certified Professional Master Life Coach. Expert Interview. 11 February, 2022.
- ↑ Jessica George, MA, CHt. Certified Professional Master Life Coach. Expert Interview. 11 February, 2022.
- ↑ Carolyn Powery. Business Etiquette Expert & Personal Image Branding and Confidence Coach. Expert Interview. 26 February 2025.
- ↑ Sheila A. Anderson. Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon. Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.
- ↑ Sheila A. Anderson. Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon. Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.
- ↑ Sheila A. Anderson. Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon. Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.
- ↑ Carolyn Powery. Business Etiquette Expert & Personal Image Branding and Confidence Coach. Expert Interview. 26 February 2025.
- ↑ Sheila A. Anderson. Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon. Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.
- ↑ Sheila A. Anderson. Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon. Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.
- ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.
- ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.
- ↑ https://library.fiveable.me/key-terms/ap-world/respect-for-elders
- ↑ Carolyn Powery. Business Etiquette Expert & Personal Image Branding and Confidence Coach. Expert Interview. 26 February 2025.
- ↑ https://www.livescience.com/20801-personal-space.html
- ↑ Sheila A. Anderson. Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon. Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/coughing-and-sneezing.html
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/code-switching
- ↑ Jules Hirst. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 12 March 2025.
- ↑ Jules Hirst. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 12 March 2025.
- ↑ Jules Hirst. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 12 March 2025.
- ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.
- ↑ Jules Hirst. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 12 March 2025.
- ↑ Sheila A. Anderson. Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon. Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.
- ↑ Sheila A. Anderson. Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon. Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.
- ↑ Sheila A. Anderson. Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon. Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evidence-based-living/202109/the-psychology-compliments-nice-word-goes-long-way
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier
- ↑ https://www.thepolitesociety.com/etiquette-tips-2/inside-voices-please-using-the-proper-conversation-volume-in-public-places
- ↑ Jamila Musayeva. International Etiquette Consultant, Author and Youtube Educator. Expert Interview. 06 March 2025.
- ↑ Jamila Musayeva. International Etiquette Consultant, Author and Youtube Educator. Expert Interview. 06 March 2025.
- ↑ Sheila A. Anderson. Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon. Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.
- ↑ Sheila A. Anderson. Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon. Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.
- ↑ Sheila A. Anderson. Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon. Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.
- ↑ Carolyn Powery. Business Etiquette Expert & Personal Image Branding and Confidence Coach. Expert Interview. 26 February 2025.
- ↑ Jules Hirst. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 12 March 2025.
- ↑ Sheila A. Anderson. Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon. Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.
- ↑ Carolyn Powery. Business Etiquette Expert & Personal Image Branding and Confidence Coach. Expert Interview. 26 February 2025.
- ↑ https://letstalkaboutmentalhealth.com.au/2020/01/27/lets-talk-about-accountability/
- ↑ https://adleorelo.com/blog/british-etiquette-a-guide-for-expats/
- ↑ Jamila Musayeva. International Etiquette Consultant, Author and Youtube Educator. Expert Interview. 06 March 2025.
- ↑ Jamila Musayeva. International Etiquette Consultant, Author and Youtube Educator. Expert Interview. 06 March 2025.
- ↑ Jamila Musayeva. International Etiquette Consultant, Author and Youtube Educator. Expert Interview. 06 March 2025.
- ↑ Jamila Musayeva. International Etiquette Consultant, Author and Youtube Educator. Expert Interview. 06 March 2025.
- ↑ Jules Hirst. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 12 March 2025.
- ↑ Jules Hirst. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 12 March 2025.
- ↑ https://emilypost.com/advice/general-tipping-guide
- ↑ Jamila Musayeva. International Etiquette Consultant, Author and Youtube Educator. Expert Interview. 06 March 2025.
- ↑ Jamila Musayeva. International Etiquette Consultant, Author and Youtube Educator. Expert Interview. 06 March 2025.
- ↑ https://www.projectrespect.ca/setting-respecting-boundaries/
- ↑ Jessica George, MA, CHt. Certified Professional Master Life Coach. Expert Interview. 11 February, 2022.
- ↑ Jessica George, MA, CHt. Certified Professional Master Life Coach. Expert Interview. 11 February, 2022.
- ↑ Carolyn Powery. Business Etiquette Expert & Personal Image Branding and Confidence Coach. Expert Interview. 26 February 2025.
- ↑ Carolyn Powery. Business Etiquette Expert & Personal Image Branding and Confidence Coach. Expert Interview. 26 February 2025.
- ↑ https://www.brantfordlibrary.ca/en/news/the-power-of-observation.aspx
- ↑ Carolyn Powery. Business Etiquette Expert & Personal Image Branding and Confidence Coach. Expert Interview. 26 February 2025.
- ↑ https://adleorelo.com/blog/british-etiquette-a-guide-for-expats/
- ↑ Jamila Musayeva. International Etiquette Consultant, Author and Youtube Educator. Expert Interview. 06 March 2025.
- ↑ Ashley Kahn. Wardrobe Stylist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.
- ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.
- ↑ https://hosa.org/10-rules-about-cell-phone-etiquette/
- ↑ Jamila Musayeva. International Etiquette Consultant, Author and Youtube Educator. Expert Interview. 06 March 2025.
- ↑ Jamila Musayeva. International Etiquette Consultant, Author and Youtube Educator. Expert Interview. 06 March 2025.
- ↑ Jamila Musayeva. International Etiquette Consultant, Author and Youtube Educator. Expert Interview. 06 March 2025.
- ↑ Jules Hirst. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 12 March 2025.
- ↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/personal-hygiene
- ↑ Sheila A. Anderson. Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon. Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.
- ↑ Sheila A. Anderson. Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon. Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.
About This Article
To be polite, greet people with a smile and a warm "Hello!" When you are talking with someone, ask them questions like "How has your day been?" or "How are the kids?" to show interest in their life. When they respond, try to remember the details of what they say so you can reference them later. When you are meeting someone new, avoid cursing or fidgeting, as many people might view that as rude. When in doubt about how to act, watch what others are doing to help guide you. For tips from our reviewer on how to act at a dinner party, scroll down!
Reader Success Stories
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"The tip about "be gentle, not forceful or insistent" is the best advice. Also, "start a conversation by asking questions about the other person" is difficult to do, but indeed a really good tip. Thanks for the article!"..." more