Diane Gottsman | Leading Etiquette Expert | Modern Manners Authority

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Ask the Etiquette Expert: Should Teens Trick-or-Treat?

30 Oct 2014 By: Diane Gottsman

Trickortreaters smallQuestion:
Can I turn away teen trick-or-treaters for being too old?

Answer:
Manners matter – rather than ask a teen to leave your doorstep (very rude), take a deep breath, ask yourself what is the harm in giving out an extra treat, and hand him or her a candy bar. If a teen walks up to your door for a treat, it would be impolite to turn him or her away. It is generally not the intention of a teen trick-or-treater to show disrespectful behavior. Don’t scold them or make them feel uncomfortable. Consider a group of teens trick-or-treating an opportunity for some innocent fun. Their choice of trick or treating on a festive eve can be uplifting for everyone involved. Especially when the teen is kind and respectful to their neighbors. And teens…don’t forget to make your mom proud … smile, make eye contact and don’t forget to say thank you!

 

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Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.