I know you want to get a drink from the bar or chat and catch up with the person seated next to you.  BUT, when someone is on the mic giving a speech or toast to the bride and groom…quiet down.  It is hard enough for these fine people to get on a mic in front of all the friends and family of the bride and groom.  They’re nervous enough!  The chatter of people who are not paying attention does not help the situation.  Give those folks the respect they deserve.  They will appreciate your cooperation and likely get through their speech quicker!

There are very little boundaries these days.  Everyone wants to feel connected to other folks and with the influx of so many social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Myspace, etc) those connections are crossing boundaries that used to be rather distinct.  As an example: a co-worker you only speak to on occasion finds you on Facebook and wants to be your Facebook friend.  Not wanting to be rude, you accept them.  But now, they have access to all sorts of random tidbits about you that they did not have access to before.

Many people try to say “Well you should only use LinkedIn for business and Facebook for friends and family,” but trying to fimly maintain that distinction is very difficult.  This makes it your responsibility to be very careful with what you post on these websites.  Its a warning that is shouted by many Social Media experts, but not always adhered to by others.  Just as you can’t un-ring a bell, you can’t erase what’s been written in cyberspace.  Chances are by the time you do, somebody has already seen what was written when you didn’t want them to.

Everyone has to adjust their own internal filter to their comfort level, but be sure to use that internal filter.  EVERYONE sees your status updates on nearly every single one of these sites.  Be careful what you put out into the cyber universe because karma has a funny way of coming back to you.

Happy Monday!

I love dancing…especially Salsa Dancing!  I don’t go as frequently as I like but I love it nonetheless.  But partner dancing, which Salsa Dancing is, does require adhering to some rules of etiquette.  Especially in the hygiene department.
Partner Dancing requires being in close contact with another person and their personal space.  Which means that person will be in your personal space.  So you should be prepared!

• Use deodorant.  You may think you smell like a peach and love to be Au Natural.  Perhaps your friends and family even agree.  Cool!  But be on the safe side.  You may end up dancing with someone that doesn’t think eau de you smells so peachy and they won’t dance with you again if they have to hold their breath the entire time.
• Be gentle with the perfume/cologne.  No one wants to feel like they’re dancing with a brothel.  Feel free to use whatever perfume or cologne you like, but go easy.  You don’t need to bathe yourself in it.
• Use mints or gum.  Maybe you just ate a delicious meal doused in garlic, or had a juicy burger with extra onions.  Regardless, the person your tangoing with does NOT want to know what you just ate.  So pop a mint.  Chew some gum.  Spritz some Listerine.  Just do something to freshen that breath.

Here’s to some cha cha cha!

Have you ever been seated on a plane, watching the rest of the folks pile in and searching for room for their carry-on luggage.  They get to their seat and there’s no room immediately next to their seat so the walk further back looking for space and still can’t find anything.  Then they start to look all angry because they can’t find anywhere to put their super carry-on (you know…the bag that just narrowly meets the specs for NOT having to be checked baggage).  And then they start to create backup on the plane because their seat is 5 rows back and they still have their luggage in hand with nowhere to stow it because it can’t even fit under their seat.  Its quite interesting to observe!

Well, if you’re one of the culprits who contributed to this person’s state of distress then you really need to re-evaluate your travel routine.  And you know who you are.  Those overhead compartments are precious real estate and taking advantage of being first on the plane leaves the rest of us out in the cold.   So here are some kindly and neighborly guidelines:

• Everyone has some place to be.  You’re not the only one with plans and a schedule.  So when making your plans allow time to pickup your bags from the baggage claim.  I know there are fees for checked bags these days, but it will relieve pressure when trying to navigate through the airport and the airplane.
• People sometimes think they’re adept travelers because they’ve managed to fix their bags so as to NOT check anything.  That only makes you a good traveler if one bag fits comfortably in the overhead compartment and the other under the seat.  If you consistently have problems with stowing your bags then re-evaluate your packing methods and point of view on checking bags.
• If you’re not checking any bags, then make use of the space UNDER the seat in front of you.  Airlines allow you one personal item and one carry on bag.  People often use one of those super carry-ons and a super laptop bag.  And then they stow BOTH in the overhead compartment.  That’s not very neighborly folks.  Those overhead compartments are meant for one (SMALL) bag per person.  If there’s space left after everyone’s in their seats then feel free to place your second bag up top.
• Realize that your super carry-on may be violating the standards and specs for an acceptable carry-on bag.  Yes…there are rules for what dimensions are passable for a carry-on bag.

Now, if you find yourself the situation of not being able to stow your bags on the plane, there’s no need to get testy.  It happens.  Especially on fully booked flights.  Just find a flight attendant and let them know the situation and they will find space for your bag your check it for you right then.  Which brings me to another point.  You never know when you may HAVE to check your bag.  So you should always put precious items in the bag that you won’t ever have to check.  This includes:

• Laptop
• Medication
• Jewelry

That way, when you find yourself in a situation of having to check your carry-on bag its not as dire of a situation because all the really important stuff is in the bag you keep with you at all times!

Happy Monday!

Its a very common practice these days.  You complete a wedding registry and the store you’ve registered at is kind enough to give you cards to include with your invitations so that your guests will know exactly where to go.  The convenience is brilliant!  But, not so fast!  It is actually a faux pas to include registry information with your formal wedding invitations.  The perception is that by including your registry information, you are setting an expectation that a gift is “required.”  Now, we know that’s not what you’re saying, but all the same it is not entirely appropriate.  So, then what are you to do?  You don’t want to field calls about where you’re registered, but you would rather not do anything considered rude or inappropriate.  Here are your two best options:

• Inform your closest family and friends of where you are registered and ask them to relay the information to anyone that asks.
• For your invitations, include a card directing guests to your wedding website for more details and information on the wedding (including accommodations, directions, etc)

Now, the etiquette police won’t be knocking down your door if you decide to go ahead and include your registry details with your invitations.  However, do keep in mind that proper etiquette does say its a no-no!

Happy Monday!