For as long as man has been interacting with others, there have been unwritten rules of etiquette and manners that surrounded those interactions. From the caveman who likely let his cave “wife” eat the nuts and berries before he dug in, to the modern day commuter who lets another driver merge in front of him during rush hour traffic, there are common courtesies that likely make your everyday interactions that much more pleasant for all involved. The only problem is not everyone understands these inherent courtesies anymore, and that's why there's a need for a comprehensive book on all things etiquette.
Probably the biggest mistake that people make when it comes to manners and etiquette—besides not using any at all—is thinking that they don't apply to everyday occurrences. Most people think about manners in terms of white-haired ladies wearing pearls and gloves while enjoying a cup of tea. Obviously, this is an outdated picture of women and manners in general, which is why anyone who equates manners with these old-fashioned ladies is out of date himself in his belief about manners.
Sure, you need to act politely if your Aunt Clara invites you to join her at The Plaza Hotel in New York City for afternoon tea (yes, it still exists), but tea isn't the only time that manners matter. From the time you are born until the day you die, there is a place, somewhere in your life, for you to use good manners.
Children need to have their manners about them when they go to school or birthday parties, and grown-ups need them just as much when they go to the office or take a client out to eat. You also need manners whether you're commuting to work, taking a vacation to a foreign land, or are planning a wedding. In fact, if you were to pull out your appointment calendar and glance at any week in your life, you would see multiple opportunities and interactions where you would need good manners.
Studies have shown that people with good behavior go farther in life than those who act like clods. Obviously, you're interested in avoiding cloddish behavior at all costs, or you wouldn't have bought this book. By following the tips and instructions in the pages that follow, you're going to become one of those people whom your friends and family will always include in social occasions and want to spend time with. That's because, by brushing up on your manners and etiquette, you will always feel confident in knowing that you're well behaved. You will always know how to act appropriately and politely in each and every situation you find yourself in on a day-today basis, and the people around you are sure to appreciate just how well behaved you are.