Common Stinking Courtesy

"Chivalry isn't dead...it's just not expected." That's what comedian Steve Harvey said on Oprah last week. He was talking about dating but is this the case in everyday life?!? How can we spread the word that common courtesy (by men and women) isn't dead, it just needs a little mouth-to-mouth resuscitation?

Let's talk about the lack of common stinking courtesy on public transportation these days. This morning I witnessed an elderly woman stand for nearly 4 blocks on a crowded Chicago bus because NO ONE would give up their seat for her. DARN SHAME I tell you, a darn shame! Gender goes out the #20 bus window when it comes to respecting our elders. 7 out of the 9 seats reserved for the physically disabled were occupied by people who didn't appear to have a disability; they looked like able-bodied men and women between the ages of 14-45. Ok...I must admit that I'm guilty of sitting in the "priority area" at the front of the bus, but only when it's nearly EMPTY.

Unfortunately I was in the back of the bus and couldn't offer my seat but it took everything ounce of strength in my body not to yell "what's wrong with you people, don't you see the elderly lady needs a seat?!?" After 4 stops a young high school girl looked up from texting away on her cell phone and immediately offered the elderly woman her seat. The girl had common courtesy and I'm sure would be furious (as I was) if an able-bodied person didn't give up their seat for her grandmother, or anyone else's grandmother for that matter.

You may not want to think about it but if you're lucky, in X number of years...you'll be elderly too. Wouldn't the elderly YOU want a seat?

Is Proper Etiquette Really Common Sense?

Many people feel that etiquette is common sense and any adult who wasn't raised by wolves should at least know the basics. Well...this story will prove those people wrong, very wrong. I didn't witness this etiquette faux pas, however, in my line of work I have no reason to doubt that it happened because I've seen things even worse.

Names have been changed to protect the "etiquette & protocol challenged."

Bill, a young associate at a prestigious law firm was invited to attend dinner at a well known Chicago steakhouse with one of their biggest clients and several of the firm's partners. He could barely contain his excitement when he accepted the invitation and knew this was his chance to impress the partners and fast track his career. Since Bill doesn't eat at nice restaurants very often he decided to brush up on his dining skills before dinner the following evening. Unfortunately Howard, one of the firm's senior partners, didn't do the same...

At the restaurant they were given the best table, the one looking out into the restaurant, and Bill waits to be directed to the appropriate seat. A round of scotch is ordered, the server shares the house specialities and everyone prepares to feast on a phenomenal meal. As Bill takes a bite of his sizzling bone-in filet he looks up to see Howard reaching across the empty place setting to grab a fork. What Howard did with that fork Bill still can't believe! He watched in horror as Howard scratched his back with the fork, then leaned over and placed the fork back in it's proper position on the table. A combination of shock and utter disbelief covered the faces of those who witnessed it. Bill, unable stomach what he'd just seen, left one of the best steaks in Chicago half eaten on his plate.

I don't know about you but I think that's pretty disgusting. Someone could actually end up using that fork, dead skin cells and all. YUCK! This story is proof that etiquette is not common sense, even to someone with a law degree from Harvard University like Howard. It seems like basic knowledge but I'll say it anyway...it is NOT proper etiquette to scratch yourself with a fork, knife or spoon. What you do at home is your own business but in public silverware should be used for eating only (and hopefully you're holding your silverware properly).

PJ McGuire to be Special Guest Speaker at PWCC Luncheon May 13, 2009

"Capitalizing on the Different Business Styles of Men and Women"

People first evaluate your physical appearance but it’s your body language, mannerisms and demeanor that make a more powerful impression. In an instant, they decide whether they will or will not consider doing business with you. In these days of business casual, both appearance and behavior, we still need to “mind our manners.” We represent the products and services our company sells and more importantly, we are the face of our company to our clients. So, where do we learn the proper business etiquette and protocol we need to be successful in our careers? Unfortunately, it is no longer taught in most schools and many young executives are entering the corporate world unprepared. To succeed in business it takes more than a great education and a strong work ethic, you also need people skills!

Click Here to Register

Wednesday, May 13th ““Capitalizing on the Different Business Styles of Men and Women”” with PJ McGuire

Union League Club of Chicago 65 West Jackson Blvd. 11:30 a.m. Registration 11:45 a.m. Lunch $55 Guests $40 Regular Members N/C Premier Members

Click Here to Register Reservations are due by noon Monday, May 11th, or a $10 late fee will be applied. Only pre-paid registrations will be guaranteed.

Let the Blogging Begin

Greetings! Modet Inc.'s Etiquette Today monthly newsletter is a great way to provide my readers with educational articles and important updates, however, it doesn't give me a place to 'just chat' with you. As an etiquette consultant you'd be surprised by some of the things I see and some of the questions I'm asked and "One Rude Person" gives me a place to share my world with you. Here you'll find funny stories, etiquette tips, resources for job seekers going on job interviews, people skills topics in the news, information on professional presence & image, my commentary on etiquette & protocol in television shows, celebrity faux pas and much more.

Not only will this blog be fun to read, but you just might learn a thing or two. So...check the blog often and please tell everyone you know about One Rude Person.

Changing the Face of Etiquette,

PJ McGuire

P.S. Do you have an etiquette or protocol question but you're too embarrased to ask? Well...your secret question is safe with me, email me at pjmcguire@modetinc.com.