20 Examples of Rules of Etiquette


Is named rules of etiquette to a set of behavioral protocols that define accepted social behavior in a given social situation or context.

They can be in a glamorous dinner, in a business meeting or simply in dealing with friends, since these rulesFar from being something exclusive to elites or “delicate” social contexts, they govern a good part of our behavior in public and vary according to the time, social class and particular education. For example: sitting at the table in a cap or hat is in bad taste.

In that sense, etiquette criteria They can range from the most basic and close to hygiene considerations, to more refined conventions and a product of tradition. However they are, they fulfill the role of mediators between the participants of a social event, although many times they allow discrimination based on appearances and what is considered “in bad taste”.

Examples of etiquette rules

In the table:

  1. Sitting at the table with a cap or hat is in bad taste.
  2. The napkin, if it is made of cloth, should be placed on the lap as soon as the food arrives at the table. If not, you will need to stay to one side of the plate.
  3. Food should be chewed with the mouth closed, without making noises and without speaking at the same time.
  4. Food is served according to age and gender first: older women first, then women in general, then children, and finally men. If it’s a home-cooked dinner, guests will be served last.
  5. After the meal is finished, the cutlery should go together and point to the left.

In a meeting:

  1. It is the host’s duty to ask the guests if they wish to have a drink and attend to their wish. In case there is service, the host must transmit the order to them.
  2. You should never go to a meeting empty-handed. You must bring a wine or a dessert.
  3. You should never go to the home of a friend or acquaintance without announcing yourself first.
  4. You must try to be punctual. This means that you can be five to ten minutes late, maximum. Never later or worse, earlier than indicated by the host.
  5. In some countries, such as Argentina, at the end of an evening with friends, guests must contribute with the expenses assumed by the host. In other countries this is in terrible taste.

At a wedding:

  1. You should not go to a wedding dressed in white, unless the invitation says otherwise.
  2. Single friends are always invited with a companion. If you are invited and the pass is for a single person, you should never bring a companion anyway.
  3. Centerpieces are not souvenirs from the event and should be left in place.
  4. The wedding gift (whether money or an object) should not be given to the bride and groom, but should be deposited in the box or table indicated for it in the most discreet way.
  5. It is in good taste to reserve the presence, that is, to announce the participation in the wedding to which you have been invited. It is, after all, a long and carefully planned event.

In the office:

  1. It is in bad taste to eat at the desk where you work. Space should be varied during lunch time.
  2. Under no circumstances can one take off their shoes to work.
  3. It is advisable to dress to the office as formally as possible, except on Fridays when it is possible to relax the dress code.
  4. It is in bad taste to yell on the phone.
  5. Calls for attention are always made in private. Congratulations are always made in public.