When it comes to relationships, we all have lines that must not be crossed. There are several offenses that are early signs of a doomed date. I recently posted a question on my Protocol School of Texas Facebook page, asking readers about their number one dating deal breaker. Both men and women ... [ Read More ]
A Girlfriends’ Gathering
Meeting friends after work for a quick happy hour can be fun, but having an after work gathering can be even better. Maybe it’s time to watch the entire season of VEEP or catch up on the balcony with snacks and a few choice libations. Hosting a girlfriends' gathering is a good way to reconnect in a ... [ Read More ]
Celebrating Valentine’s Day with Your Girlfriends
February 14th is traditionally marketed for celebrating love and romance, but don’t forget your girlfriends who deserve some attention too. Get inspired with these creative ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day…Girlfriend Style! Take a cooking class. A perfect way to ... [ Read More ]
Valentines Gift Ideas: For Him, For Her, and Other Special Friends
From the extravagant to a simple gesture, you may be looking for a few ideas for Valentine's Day inspiration. (For even more ideas, visit my two Pinterest pages: Valentine’s Day – Things to Do and Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas.) But, here are a few ideas to get you started: If money is no object: A ... [ Read More ]
Ask the Etiquette Expert: Friendship Advice for Hosting a Dinner
Q: My wife and I are both 27 years old, and our friends are 25. We understand the importance of etiquette and do our best to treat everyone we meet in the same manner we would like to be treated. Our dilemma involves two of our best friends, who we love and truly enjoy spending time ... [ Read More ]
Pet Etiquette: Etiquette Tips for Pet Owners
If you're a pet lover, you are no doubt captivated by your dog or cat’s many unique charms. We can also easily become blind to their flaws and bad habits that irritate family and make close friends think twice before coming for a visit. Here are some etiquette tips for pet owners to make sure your ... [ Read More ]
Afternoon Tea Party Etiquette
This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending a “Sip and See Afternoon Tea in Honor of His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge." Mom and her two daughters were hosts of the tea to bring friends and family together before the start of a new school year. My girlfriend is somewhat of a Royal ... [ Read More ]
Friendship Etiquette: When to Let Go of the Rope
From time to time a situation comes up that clearly shows you who is in your corner and who no longer has your back. Perhaps someone that was a good friend for a long period of time has decided to move on. There should be no judgment in taking another direction, either for you or them, as long as ... [ Read More ]
Mannerly Tips on How to Accept a Compliment
Have you ever given someone a compliment, such as, “You did a great job on that project!” only to get a response like, “Yep, I know…” or, “Of course I did.” Suddenly your sincere gesture of kindness has turned into a comment you wish you could retract. Telling someone you like his or her jacket, ... [ Read More ]
Wedding Etiquette Questions Answered
Wedding etiquette questions received by our SA Living viewers, blog readers and social media friends: Q: It is a second marriage for both of us and I didn’t have a church wedding the first time around. Is it okay to “walk down the aisle” since I’ve been previously married? A: You may walk down ... [ Read More ]
Moving On With Grace – Break Up Etiquette
It happens to every one of us at one time or another – we part from someone we care about, whether it’s a friend, boyfriend/girlfriend, spouse, or even a boss. Difficult as it may be, there is a protocol to approaching it “the right way.” How you handle the break up today will affect your future ... [ Read More ]
Conversation Etiquette: Being a Good Conversationalist
It’s not easy to discuss your strengths without coming across as a boaster or bragger. But being a good conversationalist depends on finding ways to talk about yourself without turning other people away. Consider these tips to avoid being seen as a blowhard by colleagues or friends: Choose your ... [ Read More ]
Think Before You Text: Five Messages Never to Send by Text
While I’m the first to admit I appreciate getting messages via text rather than having to check my email while I’m running around during the day, there are just some things that should never be communicated by a text message. I recently breached one of my own rules…read on to find out which ... [ Read More ]
Holiday Etiquette: Tips for Being Single on Valentine’s Day
Being single on Valentine's Day is no reason to curtail plans of a fun get-away or night out! In fact, with the following Valentine’s etiquette tips you may find that Valentine’s Day 2012 will be a holiday you’ll remember for years to come. Valentine's Day Etiquette Tips for the Single Girl or ... [ Read More ]
Proper Etiquette for Announcing Your Engagement
Nothing is more exciting than getting engaged. Whether you're newly engaged or are already enjoying wedded bliss, you know the pressure an engagement can bring on. Here are a few tips to get your engagement started on the right (or left) finger. Proper Etiquette For Announcing Your Engagement ... [ Read More ]