Review | Modern Etiquette Made Easy: never eat from a shared plate or arrive early to a party
- Manners coach Myka Meier trained under a former member of the British royal household
- She instructs readers how to navigate a number of social, business and networking environments
Modern Etiquette Made Easy
by Myka Meier
Skyhorse Publishing
2.5/5 stars
This book is for the unwittingly uncouth keen to overcome anxiety at fancy get-togethers. “America’s Queen of Good Manners” stresses, however, that etiquette isn’t just about knowing how to handle the silverware. It’s about conducting yourself in a way that shows respect, consideration and kindness to those around you.
Small talk out of the way, Myka Meier, who trained under a former member of the British royal household, launches into appropriate modes of behaviour in social, business and networking environments. Much is obvious; some things less so, which is why you buy a book like this. How does one eat a banana in public? Address a foreign dignitary? Shake hands? On that point the book will probably need updating soon: in a world reeling from a pandemic, perhaps bowing should be the most appropriate gesture worldwide.
That said, eating communal foods from a shared plate has never been acceptable. Neither has arriving early at a party. There are other no-nos as well: it’s not “waiter” but “server”; and not “bon appétit” (good digestion) but “please enjoy”. And next time you’re seated at a table, remember to pass items with your right hand and, if you must, cough into your left.
Then immediately wash those paws.
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