Good and bad manners make up the social rules of a country, which are not very easy to learn at times.
British people are famous for their politeness, self-discipline and sense of humour. As any other nation, they have their own social customs.
The British place considerable value on punctuality. People make great effort to arrive on time. It is often considered impolite to arrive even a few minutes late. If you are unable to keep an appointment, it is expected that you call the person you are meeting. For dinner, lunch or appointments with doctors, lawyers and other professionals one should arrive at the exact time specified. And it’s better to arrive a few minutes early for public meetings, concerts, movies, church services and weddings.
If you want to visit someone at home, it is a good manner to telephone in advance. If you receive a written invitation to an event, you should respond and tell whether or not you plan to attend. It is considered polite to give a gift to your host, especially if you have been invited for a meal. Flowers, chocolate, or a small gift are all appropriate. It will be nice of you to send a thank-you note or to make a telephone call after the visit.
As for clothes, one may put on an everyday dress for most visits to peoples’ homes. However, dress more formally when attending a holiday dinner or cultural event, such as a concert or theatre performance. Men should never wear hats inside buildings.
Regarding greetings it should be said that it is proper to shake hands with everyone to whom you are introduced, both men and women. Hugging is only for friends.
Social rules are an important part of the culture as they passed down through history. The British have an expression for following these «unwritten rules»: «When in Rome, do as the Romans do».
Courtesy Courtesy is a set of good manners which we use in everyday life. Good manners and rules of behavior at home, work, transport or other places, are very important in modern society. Even in ancient times people had to observe certain rules of conduct, which made their lives easier. A person is seen and evaluated through his behavior and communication with other people. If someone has a rich and beautiful inner world he or she demonstrates high level of social etiquette. Sometimes when we simply say “Hello!” meeting people and “Good Bye!” leaving, it shows our good manners. It is also necessary to use polite words in formal situations and when talking to strangers or elderly people. For men it is a good manner to let women go first. Most people hold doors for the next visitor in stores, restaurants and other public places. Young people ought to give place to older and disabled people in public transport. Pregnant women and little children also have a priority in such situations. Table manners are another important issue. While at formal dinners, people usually eat with fork and knife. Soon after sitting down at the table it is correct to put a napkin on your lap. Well-mannered people usually know the rules of table setting. When there is a variety of silverware in front of you, it’s a good idea to start with the knife, fork or spoon that is farthest from your plate. Not everyone knows the rules of courtesy. There are also many people who have bad manners. For example, they talk or laugh loudly in public places, which is not acceptable. They litter in the streets or cause inconvenience to other people. They stare at people they don’t know and never say “Sorry!” or “Thank you!” Such behavior should be avoided if we want to be a part of civilized society.
Good and bad manners make up the social rules of a country, which are not very easy to learn at times.
British people are famous for their politeness, self-discipline and sense of humour. As any other nation, they have their own social customs.
The British place considerable value on punctuality. People make great effort to arrive on time. It is often considered impolite to arrive even a few minutes late. If you are unable to keep an appointment, it is expected that you call the person you are meeting. For dinner, lunch or appointments with doctors, lawyers and other professionals one should arrive at the exact time specified. And it’s better to arrive a few minutes early for public meetings, concerts, movies, church services and weddings.
If you want to visit someone at home, it is a good manner to telephone in advance. If you receive a written invitation to an event, you should respond and tell whether or not you plan to attend. It is considered polite to give a gift to your host, especially if you have been invited for a meal. Flowers, chocolate, or a small gift are all appropriate. It will be nice of you to send a thank-you note or to make a telephone call after the visit.
As for clothes, one may put on an everyday dress for most visits to peoples’ homes. However, dress more formally when attending a holiday dinner or cultural event, such as a concert or theatre performance. Men should never wear hats inside buildings.
Regarding greetings it should be said that it is proper to shake hands with everyone to whom you are introduced, both men and women. Hugging is only for friends.
Social rules are an important part of the culture as they passed down through history. The British have an expression for following these «unwritten rules»: «When in Rome, do as the Romans do».
CourtesyCourtesy is a set of good manners which we use in everyday life. Good manners and rules of behavior at home, work, transport or other places, are very important in modern society. Even in ancient times people had to observe certain rules of conduct, which made their lives easier. A person is seen and evaluated through his behavior and communication with other people. If someone has a rich and beautiful inner world he or she demonstrates high level of social etiquette. Sometimes when we simply say “Hello!” meeting people and “Good Bye!” leaving, it shows our good manners. It is also necessary to use polite words in formal situations and when talking to strangers or elderly people. For men it is a good manner to let women go first. Most people hold doors for the next visitor in stores, restaurants and other public places. Young people ought to give place to older and disabled people in public transport. Pregnant women and little children also have a priority in such situations. Table manners are another important issue. While at formal dinners, people usually eat with fork and knife. Soon after sitting down at the table it is correct to put a napkin on your lap. Well-mannered people usually know the rules of table setting. When there is a variety of silverware in front of you, it’s a good idea to start with the knife, fork or spoon that is farthest from your plate. Not everyone knows the rules of courtesy. There are also many people who have bad manners. For example, they talk or laugh loudly in public places, which is not acceptable. They litter in the streets or cause inconvenience to other people. They stare at people they don’t know and never say “Sorry!” or “Thank you!” Such behavior should be avoided if we want to be a part of civilized society.