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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. 

  • 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

    Removing the Mystery: Cousins "Once Removed"

    Sarah and Luke are cousins. But what are their children to one another... and who is "once removed"?
  • Traditional Etiquette

    General Tipping Guide

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

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

  • Holiday Etiquette

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    • Traditional Etiquette

      Video - Holiday Table Setting Made Easy

      In this video, Lizzie Post and her mother, Tricia Post, give detailed advice on how to set a holiday…
    • person with their right hand on a window, with rain drops trickling down

      How to Help a Grieving Loved One During the Holidays

      The holidays, especially the first ones after the death of a loved one, can be particularly hard. While…
    • person counting money, with $10, $20, and $50 bills

      Holiday Tipping Guide

      The holiday season is traditionally the time Americans choose to thank those who provide them with year-round…
    • christmas gift box on a white table with snowflake stickers

      Holiday Tips vs. Holiday Gifts

      The holiday season is a budget-stretching season for many. Between your gift list, holiday tips, parties,…
    • two people in holiday attire toasting champagne toward a laptop camera

      Holiday Party Planning

      With the holidays comes the opportunity to entertain your nearest and dearest, as well as all those people…
    • relatives hugging one another at the front door, with holiday decorations on the door and gifts in hand

      Holiday Houseguest Manners

      As a guest, it’s your job to put all your positive qualities on display: enthusiasm, congeniality, consideration,…
    • Traditional Etiquette

      Holiday Greeting Cards

      Advice on holiday greeting cards from the number one source on American etiquette.
    • joyful family holiday dinner with holiday attire and decor

      Family Holiday Newsletters

      An Emily Post Institute survey showed that people have mixed feelings about these newsletters: 53% like…
    • happy family enjoying each other's company on a Christmas morning

      Canceling Holiday Plans During COVID-19

      With the holidays right around the corner, many people are considering canceling multi-family gatherings…
  • 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…
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    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

    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…

  • Thanksgiving Etiquette

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    • Traditional Etiquette

      Why Thanksgiving Is My Favorite Holiday

      A Day Devoted to Saying Thank You! I was driving to work today and thinking about etiquette—that may…
    • Traditional Etiquette

      Tips for a Happy Thanksgiving

      We can’t offer you a turkey hotline, but here are some tips for guests and hosts to help make your Thanksgiving…
    • Traditional Etiquette

      Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Soup with Sage Recipe

      Its apple-sage and squash-allspice flavor combinations may well have thoughts of Thanksgiving dancing…
    • Traditional Etiquette

      Show Your Thanksgiving Spirit

      Let's Celebrate. The fellowship feeling of Thanksgiving is unrivaled among holidays. It's hard to think…