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Let the waiter come to you -

Never yell or wave your hand at a waiter. Be patient, or politely get their attention when they pass by.

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Offer up your seat -

If you're in perfectly good health, offer your seat to anyone who is either in poor health or pregnant. 

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Don't assume gender, sexuality, or relationship status -

Listen to how people introduce themselves and loved ones, and then follow their lead. If you're unsure, it's fine to politely ask. 

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Respond to personal texts within eight hours -

Proper etiquette doesn't dictate that you answer every text immediately, but you should answer within 24 hours, and within eight hours if it's someone close to you.

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Avoid manspreading -

Manspreading is the practice of sitting with the knees so far apart it invades others' personal space. So be conscious of how you're sitting, especially while commuting.

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Never ask, "where are you really from?" -

It's ok to ask someone once where they're from, but then accept whatever answer they give. If someone appears to be of a different ethnicity than you or has an accent, it's natural to be curious about their history, but it's impolite to ask outright.

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Use a coaster -

If you're having a drink at a friend or acquaintance's house, always put your glass or cup on a coaster to avoid damaging their table or leaving any water rings for your host to clean up.

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Walk with the flow -

In most places, it's considered polite to keep to the right on sidewalks and stairs, allowing people to pass you on the left. Be sure you keep moving with the flow, and be careful not to block the sidewalk with a large group. 

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Say "please" and "thank you" -

Whether you say them to a sales assistant in a store or your significant other, "please" and "thank you" are polite expressions of appreciation, gratitude, and politeness. 

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Hold the door for the person behind you -

Whoever reaches the door first is the person who should hold it open, regardless of gender. And if someone holds the door for you, always say "thank you."

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Be on time -

Sometimes, being late is just a bad circumstance, but if you're late often, then it's a choice you’re making. Time is precious, so avoid making people wait for you.

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Step outside to answer phone calls -

If you have to take a call, step outside to avoid disturbing the people around you.

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Let people get off the elevator first before you get on -

The same rule goes for the train and the bus!

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Look at the person speaking to you -

Not looking at the person speaking to you suggests you're uninterested and is considered impolite.

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Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue -

Haven't we learned enough from COVID-19? Whether it's the flu or a common cold, make sure you're doing what you can to avoid spreading germs.

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Put away your phone when you're with others -

Whether it's at the dinner table at home, in a restaurant with co-workers, or in a movie theater with friends, the people you're with take precedence over your phone, so put it away and be present in the moment.

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Clean up your dog's mess -

It's the number one rule of etiquette for dog owners. If your dog poops, you pick it up in a plastic bag and dispose of it in a public garbage can. 

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Ask before posting -

Not everyone wants to be all over social media. What you think is fun, others may see as embarrassing, or perhaps they just prefer privacy, and respecting that is a modern etiquette. 

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Wait a day before reacting to a snarky email or text -

While it may be tempting to immediately retaliate to a snarky text message, such responses often backfire. Instead, take a moment to compose yourself and wait a day before replying.

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Wait until everyone is seated and served to start eating -

Whether you're dining at home or in a restaurant, proper table etiquette still dictates that you wait to begin eating the meal until everyone is served, and the host begins to eat. 

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Stay home when you're sick -

Avoid getting other people sick when you're suffering from a contagious illness by staying home until you're better.

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Don't text or talk during a movie -

It only takes the glow of one cellphone to light up an entire theater in the most annoying way possible. Resist the temptation to look at your phone until after the movie.

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Don't say yes when you mean no -

A common etiquette mistake people make is not being honest and instead saying "yes" or "maybe" when what they really mean is "no." When you say "no," people may be disappointed, but they'll understand. 

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Be a good dinner guest -

If you have a food allergy, make sure to mention it ahead of time. But if you don't like Brussels sprouts or don't do carbs, don't announce it in front of everyone and expect a new dish to be cooked for you. 

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Wipe down equipment at the gym -

Anything that you sweat on needs to be wiped down with sanitizing spray or wipes, whether that's a weight bench, bike seat, or treadmill.

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Reach out to people who are grieving -

It's common courtesy to reach out to people who are grieving. If you don’t know what to say, simply give your condolences.

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Don't send one-word emails -

Replying to a group email with "Got it!" or "Thanks!" is irritating and inefficient. It's also a way to make sure your emails get ignored in the future.

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Don't groom yourself in public -

Don't clip your nails, brush your hair, or floss your teeth in public. That's just gross.

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Ask before bringing a guest -

Be it your kids, pets, or someone you started dating recently, don't assume they're automatically invited. No matter how well you know your host, ask before bringing a guest. 

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Never show up empty-handed -

If you're going to dinner at someone's home, don't go empty-handed. Always take something, like a bottle of wine or flowers. 
Sources: (Country Living) (Reader's Digest) (Parade) 
See also: Netiquette rules everyone should follow for smooth online interactions

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