'Manners that Matter' published during National Etiquette Week

Here are some more "Manners That Matter" as printed in the Athens Banner-Herald in observance of National Etiquette Week.

Practice cell phone civility. The cell phone is a great communication tool. But because it travels with us, many people forget the basic instructions for communication. The rule is: a cell phone conversation requires a 10-foot buffer of space.

Inviter pays. Americans eat out a lot. So manners of the table become very public. The person issuing the invitation pays the bill, including gratuity.

Sneeze safely, politely. Some people still consider it polite to say "bless you" to someone who has sneezed. As the late Marjabelle Young Stewart said, "a sneeze puts a healthy person as close to death as a healthy person is likely to get." So, that is why you bless the sneezer. The Centers for Disease Control say to sneeze into a tissue and throw it away. If you don't have a tissue, which is most likely, sneeze into the upper sleeve of a crooked arm. It is not just about manners, it is also about your health.

Be a courteous driver. Be kind and acknowledge the other driver who wishes to join your lane. The nice thing to do is give one, take one, and acknowledge the person with a smile, nod of the head or a wave of the hand to simply say thank you for letting you in the flowof traffic. Always wear your seat belt. Slower traffic keep right.

Keep your head in check. Hats and caps are to be removed when eating, meeting people, and always during the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. Hats are to be removed indoors, and indoors is definedas home, offices,cafeterias, theaters, classrooms, small stores, libraries, churches and synagogues.

Be a gracious guest. When you receive an invitation, kindly respond to the host's request. An RSVP means you let the host know either you are attending or you are not attending. RSVP means respondez s'il vous plait, meaning respond please regardless. You can ask your guests to RSVP by phone or e-mail. Regrets means the hostess only wants to know if you are NOT coming.

Give and receive a world-class handshake. A great handshake is delivered the same to women and men.

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