10 MOST COMMON ETIQUETTE MISTAKES | Do Not Do This!

Summary

In this informative video, international social etiquette consultant Jamila Musayeva outlines 10 common etiquette mistakes to avoid. She advises promptly thanking gift givers, using 'you're welcome' instead of 'no problem,' addressing elders with respect, allowing women to initiate handshakes in social settings, sneezing into your elbow, not pointing with fingers, correctly pronouncing names, not returning used utensils to a tablecloth, identifying your drink glass correctly, and holding a teacup without extending the pinky. Musayeva's insights aim to enhance viewers' social graces and prevent awkward situations.

Takeaways

• 🎁 Always thank the gift giver promptly upon receiving the gift, even before opening it.
• 🙅‍♀️ Respond to 'Thank you' with 'You're welcome' or 'It was my pleasure' instead of 'No problem'.
• 👵 Use 'Hi' or 'Hello' when greeting elders or people you don't know, avoiding informal 'Hey'.
• 🤝 In social settings, wait for women to initiate a handshake to avoid discomfort.
• 🤧 Sneeze into your elbow or upper left palm and turn your head away from others.
• 👉 Avoid pointing at people with your finger; use your whole hand to gesture.
• 📝 Double-check the spelling and pronunciation of someone's name to show respect.
• 🍽️ Once utensils have been used, they should remain on the plate and not go back on the tablecloth.
• 🥂 Remember the 'b' for bread and 'd' for drink rule to avoid picking up the wrong glass at a table.
• 🍵 When drinking tea, hold the cup with your index and thumb pinched through the handle, with pinky tucked inwards.

Q & A

What is the first etiquette mistake mentioned by Jamila Musayeva in the video?

The first etiquette mistake mentioned is not thanking the gift giver on time. It's important to acknowledge the receipt of a gift as soon as possible and then follow up with a detailed thank you note after opening the gift.

Why is it incorrect to respond to 'Thank you' with 'No problem'?

Responding to 'Thank you' with 'No problem' implies that the task was a burden or a problem, which is not the sentiment you want to convey. The correct responses are 'You're welcome' or 'It was my pleasure', as they indicate that you were happy to help.

What is the appropriate way to greet someone older or someone you don't know?

When greeting someone older or someone you don't know, it's more appropriate to use 'Hi' or 'Hello' instead of 'Hey', as 'Hey' can be considered informal and not suitable for such interactions.

Why should a man wait for a woman to extend her hand first during a handshake in a social setting?

In a social setting, women are given priority, and it's considered polite for them to decide whether or not to initiate a handshake. A man should wait for a woman to extend her hand first to avoid making her feel uncomfortable.

How should one sneeze politely and hygienically?

To sneeze politely and hygienically, one should sneeze into the elbow or the upper part of the left palm, and turn their head away from others. This prevents the spread of germs, especially since the right hand is often used for handshakes.

Why is it considered rude to point at people with your fingers?

Pointing at people with your fingers is considered rude in many cultures because it can come off as aggressive or disrespectful. Instead, one should use an open hand to gesture towards the person they are referring to.

What is the proper way to handle utensils after using them during a meal?

Once utensils have been used, they should not be placed back on the tablecloth. They should either remain on the plate if you are taking a break or be placed in a specific position on the plate to indicate that you have finished eating.

How can one avoid picking up the wrong glass at a social gathering?

To avoid confusion, one can mentally associate the right-hand side with 'drinks' (D for right hand) and the left-hand side with 'bread and butter' (B for left hand). This helps remember which glass is yours when you return to your seat.

What is the correct way to hold a teacup according to etiquette?

The correct way to hold a teacup is by pinching the handle with your index finger and thumb, using your middle finger for support, and tucking your ring finger and pinky inwards. There's no need to extend your pinky while drinking tea.

What does Jamila Musayeva suggest doing if you're unsure of how to pronounce someone's name?

If you're unsure of how to pronounce someone's name, Jamila Musayeva suggests asking the person directly for the correct pronunciation. This shows respect and ensures that you address them correctly in future interactions.

Why is it disrespectful to have your utensils on the tablecloth after eating?

It's disrespectful to have your utensils on the tablecloth after eating because it can imply that you are not done with your meal or that you are making a mess. The correct etiquette is to keep used utensils on the plate.