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Traditional Etiquette

The Lessons of the Past can Prepare us for the Future

While etiquette changes and evolves over time, some things do remain remarkably constant. The social expectations that have been the most durable for generations provide a strong framework for understanding how to support relationships. You will find many examples like this here.

The manners that change and evolve over time also teach us things and have the power to reveal what is essential and requires change from us. It can also just be fun (if you are an etiquette geek like we are) to look back at what used to be expected with the understanding and perspective that only the passage of time can provide. You will also find information on anacranistic manners like these from other times and eras. 

  • Traditional Etiquette

    General Tipping Guide

    When and where and how much to tip: Tipping guidelines for three of the most common times tipping is…

  • Official Forms of Address

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    • Traditional Etiquette

      Official Forms of Address: United States Government

      Learn the letter address, salutation, spoken greeting and formal introduction for United States government…
    • Traditional Etiquette

      Official Forms of Address: State Government

      Learn the letter address, salutation, spoken greeting and formal introduction for state government officials.
    • Traditional Etiquette

      Official Forms of Address: Religious Dignitaries

      Learn the letter address, salutation, spoken greeting and formal introduction for religious dignitaries.
    • Traditional Etiquette

      Official Forms of Address: Professional

      Learn the letter address, salutation, spoken greeting and formal introduction for professionals like…
    • Traditional Etiquette

      Official Forms of Address: Diplomatic

      Learn the letter address, salutation, spoken greeting and formal introduction for diplomats.
  • Traditional Etiquette

    Addressing a Former President of the United States

    When addressing a former President of the United States in a formal setting, the correct form is “Mr.…
  • father holding his newborn child

    Announcing a New Baby

    The arrival of a new family member (now matter how the baby or child arrives) is one of the most exciting,…
  • Traditional Etiquette

    Removing the Mystery: Cousins "Once Removed"

    Sarah and Luke are cousins. But what are their children to one another... and who is "once removed"?
  • fountain pen writing on paper with text overlay,

    Guide to Writing Men's Names with Suffixes

    Learn how to use and write men's names with suffixes. All the basics on using Mr., Jr., Sr., II, III…
  • female doctor reviewing information on a tablet

    Professional Title Etiquette: When to Use Your Dr. Title

    Here are some tips on the correct use of professional titles such as doctor, lawyer, or reverend doctor.
  • Traditional Etiquette

    What is Protocol?

    Protocol is the glue that holds official life together—the observance of precedence and rank in aspects…
  • Traditional Etiquette

    Traditional Gendered Courtesies

    Is chivalry dead? Yes and no.
  • Traditional Etiquette

    The "Mrs." Question

    Married and divorced women different have options in how they choose to be addressed.
  • Traditional Etiquette

    Military Titles

    Learn how to properly address those with military titles in conversation and in correspondence. This…
  • Traditional Etiquette

    Audience Etiquette

    Today, there's a wealth of entertainment offered in widely differing settings, but the following fundamentals…
  • Traditional Etiquette

    Appropriate Applause at Classical Music Performances

    When attending a classical music performance, novice guests often worry about when to clap. These are…
  • Traditional Etiquette

    Making Introductions

    Many people think that introducing themselves or introducing someone is so complicated that they tend…
  • Traditional Etiquette

    Q&A: The Manners of Downton Abbey, Then and Now

    Anna Post joined Vermont PBS for an on-air pledge drive Q&A about the difference between our manners…
  • worn white picket fence with white and green home in background

    New Neighbors

    In today's highly mobile society, it's not so unusual for people to move into a neighborhood almost without…
  • Traditional Etiquette

    Spring Break Travel Tips

    Traveling this Spring? Avoid the Stress with Lizzie Post’s Travel Tips. With spring break just around…
  • Traditional Etiquette

    Definition of Etiquette

    The philosophy of etiquette is timeless and everlasting, whereas manners – the outward expression of…
  • american flag flying in the breeze, with blue sky in the background

    Flag Etiquette for Memorial Day Weekend

    The American flag is considered a living entity and never dips to any person or thing. It is the premier…
  • Traditional Etiquette

    Wearing White After Labor Day

    Should you wear white after labor day? This article explores the tradition of the guideline and why it…
  • Traditional Etiquette

    Good Halloween Manners - Five Tips for Trick or Treating

    Halloween is a fun holiday for children, but it's easy to forget basic manners when there is so much…
  • couple embracing one another on Valentines Day

    Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

    Valentine’s Day, while romantic, can be fraught with gifting and planning stress. Here are some tips…