Etiquette and Style

 "Using the combination of good intent and etiquette will change the way you see people, and the way they see you." That is a sentence I read on a website titled the Gentleman's Way.

I agree that knowledge of etiquette allows you to confidently and kindly express yourself.  It is proper etiquette that gave Gene Kelly the confidence to gracefully saunter across the room in a Hitchcock film, or gave Audrey Hepburn  her timeless charm in Roman Holiday.  Indeed it is etiquette that gives any of us the ability to carry ourselves gracefully through life. 

Of course etiquette sometimes gets a bad name.  Some people use the rules to point out their own intelligence and other's ignorance.  People use it to prove that they are sophisticated or proper.  Snobbish application of etiquette only demonstrates that the person has totally missed the point.

Etiquette is about how you express your kindness and love for others.  It is about removing distractions from the conversations that you have with others.  It is not about you, it is about them -- doing the right thing in a given situation shows that you care.  So show the love, check out the Gentleman's Way.  You can also check out this book.  It works very well.