Etiquette

Dear Readers:

I would like to inspire a movement reviving etiquette and manners.  There are many books on the subject, but here are my ideas.

When someone invites you to a party, RSVP.

When someone calls you, call them back.

When someone emails you, email them back.

When someone writes you, write them back.

That is all.

This applies to business and personal relationships.  (Even the friend of a friend who is selling her new multi-level marketing product you are SO not interested in.  Call her back.)

Thank you,

The Proprietress

P.S. We will all forget our manners occasionally.  This isn't about perfection; it is about action.

P.P.S  If you need more ideas, there are some authorities on the subject.  Check them out.

The goddess of manners, Emily Post

Her timeless book.

Kate Spade knows manners.

And even one for your little.

RSVPing

A friend of mine thought RSVPing would be a good topic for the Bon Lemon blog. She recently organized an event. Sent out invitations. Called people. And the majority of those people did not RSVP. It wasn't that the majority of those people said they wouldn't be able to make it and she was disappointed, because she wasn't going to have anyone at her event. Rather, nobody told her one way or the other so she was left wondering whether she should get food for 5 people or 25. Should she buy a bottle of wine or a case? (I know, that's a dumb questions, but...) She was left a bit miffed.

Is the inability to RSVP due to a lack of concern for others, the impersonal nature of today's communications, or the desire to keep one's options open? I propose it is all three. It is impossible to plan an event if you do not know how many people are coming. Anyone who has planned anything from a football camp to a gala can tell you that. Back in the day, when you received an invitation, you responded. One way or the other. Not responding was simply not an option.

Today, you receive an evite, a beautiful letter pressed double enveloped invitation, or a call and maybe you respond, maybe you don't. You say you'll think about it. You don't say anything at all. I think the inability to RSVP is caused by a lack of personal responsibility. Our culture has made us anonymous. It has become socially acceptable not to RSVP, not to send thank you notes, and not to utilize common courtesies that once were obligatory. This sucks.

My plea for today: If someone goes to the trouble of inviting you to something, have the common courtesy to respond. A no is much better than no answer. And a yes assures there will be plenty of snacks for you to enjoy. Let's bring back common courtesy, so my friend won't be let with a case of wine to drink all by herself.


P to the S. Doesn't this beautiful invitation suite make you want to RSVP? It is a custom order by calliespondence.com. So sweet!