Mind Your Manners: Diplomacy

Kyle Bernstein

There is an old joke that goes something like this:
Three women are swapping stories about their wonderful husbands.  The first announces that for their first anniversary, her husband took her on a cruise around the world.  One listener “oohs” and “aahs” and the other says:  “Well, that’s nice”.  The second woman brags about how [...]

Zayna Mosam: Image and Lifestyle Consultant

GTA-raised Queen’s University alumna, Zayna Mosam has been formally advising people since 2003, when she launched Zayna Mosam Image Consulting.  She works with men and women of all ages, advising them on personal style, branding, communication optimization and lifestyle management. Currently, Zayna’s roster of clients come from a variety of industries, including finance, communications, education and entertainment. 
Zayna Mosam Image [...]

The Mr., Mrs. and Ms.: Cynthia on Traditional Social Correspondence

When I was in high school, a girl in my class complained that she didn’t like how the school addressed mail to her parents.  She said that because they were written to Mr. and Mrs. Dad Lastname, that they were ignoring the fact that her mother “existed” as an individual.  While she might have a [...]

Mind Your Manners: Don’t Be Late!

Kyle Bernstein
At a large cocktail party, arriving one hour after the time stated on the invite is considered “fashionably late”.  Turn up twenty minutes past the prearranged time of a doctor’s appointment, though, and you’re likely to lose your spot and may still be asked to fork over the co-pay.  There are occasions when scheduling [...]

Cynthia’s Thoughts: New Pooh Character, Lottie the Otter

A new Winnie the Pooh book hit bookstores earlier this week for the first time since 1928.  This new book, written by David Benedictus and illustrated by Mark Burgess, features a new character, Lottie the Otter.  She’s the second female character (after Kanga) in the franchise. 

Mind Your Manners!

Kyle Bernstein
Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals of proper etiquette based on respect for others – being pleasant and sincere, awareness of your surroundings, thinking before you speak, speaking when spoken to, acting appropriately, and saying “please” and “thank you” – let’s delve into the world of bad manners. 

Hey! You’re 30! Time to be a Grown Up

What’s with “kidults” today?  I don’t necessarily mean those who’re approaching 30 and still living with their parents, but those twenty-somethings and thirty-somethings who actually act like they’re still undergraduates.  I know a few people like this.  After work, they go out to clubs or parties, often several times a week.  These are not networking [...]

Minding Your Manners

Kyle Bernstein
Perhaps the mere sound of the word suggests elitism, elegance, and maybe even antiquity.  However, “etiquette” is simply another word for manners and it applies to all of us.  Webster’s New World Dictionary describes minding your manners as “observing proper behavior in social situations”.  Of course, what can be construed as “proper” may be [...]

Coming Soon: Protocol Corner

What’s formal?  Semi-formal?  How do I set a table for a formal dinner?  What’s the difference between American style and European/Contiental style?  How do I introduce people to one another?  When is it appropriate to call someone by his or her first name?  What about business cards?  Thank you notes?  These, plus many others, are questions many [...]

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