Valentine’s Day is around the corner and stores are already running low on Valentine’s cards and boxes of chocolates. My very favorite candy is cinnamon jelly shaped into hearts, displayed in a candy jar on my side table in my living room. There is something exciting and special for me, even today, to see the seasonal candy pop up in the grocery aisle. It reminds me of my childhood when my classmates and I looked forward to the little box of Valentines we would carefully write our names on the back and hand them ... [ Read More ]
Destination Wedding Etiquette and FAQs
Weddings are a time of celebration—and stress for some involved—when they are in the same town. Throw in an invitation to a destination wedding when budgets are tight and the kids have a full calendar, and the sweetness can quickly sour. It’s ... [ Read More ]
How to Talk to Your Kids About Martin Luther King Jr.’s Life & Legacy
In the summer of 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered one of the most inspiring and thought-provoking speeches in American history. He called for racial equality, justice, and a fair and equal world for everyone, with a future filled with hope. How ... [ Read More ]
Job Interview Skills Over a Meal: Dining Etiquette Quiz
A second interview is often conducted over a meal as a standard practice when the candidate applies for a role that requires strong customer/client interaction. The goal of a lunch interview is for the employer to discreetly observe the potential ... [ Read More ]
Kindness in a Bag for the Less Fortunate
Do you have a gently used purse, tote, or athletic bag you don’t know what to do with, taking up space in your closet? Rather than stashing items away in a drawer, or throwing them in the trash, do something nice for the less fortunate and declutter ... [ Read More ]
Update and Refine Your Social Skills for 2025
According to a study conducted by Harvard, Stanford, and the Carnegie Foundation, 85% of your job success comes from establishing well-developed social skills, leaving only 15% of your professional success to technical aptitude. There is value in ... [ Read More ]
How to Be a Mannerly Guest This Holiday Season
The season of merriment and magic—filled with holiday baking, cookie decorating, gift exchanges, and more—has arrived! With so much to see, do, and celebrate, it’s also the perfect time to brush up on your best and brightest manners before attending ... [ Read More ]
Holiday Wish List Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts
Holiday shopping is in full swing, and it can be quite stressful to decide who gets what on your list. The time and effort you spend guessing can be alleviated when your friend or family member gives you some very direct, pointed ... [ Read More ]
2024 Holiday Travel Checklist
December travel is officially here! Even the most prepared packer may forget the basics in a holiday hurry. I've been known to leave a charger behind (more than once) and even drove away without my cell phone one time—oops! Making a list and checking ... [ Read More ]
Holiday Cheer & Cash: Your 2024 Holiday Tipping Guide
The magic, song, and sparkle of the holiday season are here to lift our spirits and delight children everywhere! As you deck the halls, add tinsel to your tree, and stock up on festive wrapping paper, you may also be turning your attention to who ... [ Read More ]
How to Politely Decline a Donation Request
Dear Diane, I own a small business, and it seems that lately I have been inundated with requests from clients to donate to their favorite charity – ... [ Read More ]
How to Deal with a Negative Coworker
Dear Diane, I share an office with someone who is stuck in a negative rut. She is unhappy in her personal life and burned out in her career. ... [ Read More ]
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas on a Budget
Dear Diane, This is my first Mother’s Day as a new mom, giving me even more appreciation for the sacrifices my mother made to raise me. My ... [ Read More ]
Preparing for a Business Internship
Dear Diane, I’m enthusiastically preparing for my first summer internship and could use your guidance. I’m on a college budget but need to look ... [ Read More ]