48 Unspoken Social Etiquette Rules Everyone Should Follow

Etiquette is not just about which fork to use. It’s showing respect for yourself and everyone else in your little corner of the planet. In a world where rudeness often reigns, why not stand out for being polite and thoughtful? You don’t even have to go to charm school or binge-watch The Crown to learn the rules! Here are 50 easy ways to share more kindness and less saltiness this year.

Especially to those closest to you.

And if someone holds the door for you, always say "thank you"!

Sometimes you have to take the call — but is it always that important? Besides, it’s not so fun to hear your conversation when we’re trapped behind you in line.

Cranky salesperson? Nasty driver? You have no idea what’s going on with that person right now: Did her dog die? Did he just get bad health news? You don’t have to reward ugly behavior with your own nastiness, which only perpetuates the cycle.

Seriously. Look up from your smartphone!

We promise, it'll make his or her day.

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He or she took the time to send the gift; take the time to show you care.

Right. Now.

We’re all busy, so please stop making people wait for you.

It’s just plain icky to leave it.

And do it right away before you forget.

Not everyone wants to be all over social media, and you’re not a reporter — so stop spreading the news.

We know it’s satisfying like nothing else! But would you want your Grandma to hear? Or your kid?

Silence the ringer on your smartphone, speak quietly, and turn the sound down on your dinging email so it’s not bugging everyone in the other cubicles.

And stand and make eye contact when you do it.

Or at least eat stinky foods in the break room, not at your desk.

Know how to rock it for the club or dress modestly for a funeral. And please wear your PJs at home, not to the grocery store!

It's not just courteous, it can help avoid an accident.

Because just… eww!

Not in the center! The rest of us are shopping, too.

Yes, it’s a super-casual society, but it’s never wrong to use a title until you know what the person prefers.

At home. At work. At a friend’s house.

We know it’s tempting to slam the person immediately, but that often backfires.

Don't make someone else do it for you.

Or your kids. Or your pet. Don’t assume they’re automatically invited, no matter how well you know your host or hostess.

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No matter how much you want to dig in ASAP.

Certainly, if you have a food allergy, you can mention it ahead of time. But if you don't like collard greens or don’t do carbs, don’t announce it in front of everyone and expect your host or hostess to make you a special dish.

Some things, like your cold, should not be shared.

No one likes to be barged in on.

Napkin on your lap. No elbows on the table. Chew with your mouth closed.

Don’t pretend nothing happened. If you don’t know what to do, simply say you’re sorry.

The same rule goes for the train and the bus.

And lead by example.

And stop crinkling that candy wrapper so loudly, while you're at it.

The next time you see someone straining to reach something on the highest shelf at the grocery store, help her out!

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Take cookies, soup, or a casserole to a new neighbor, someone who just lost a family member, or a friend who’s had a serious health diagnosis.

Your fellow gym-goers will appreciate it.

Or back to the store entrance.

Don’t clip your nails, brush your hair, or floss your teeth in public. Because it's just gross.

No politics, religion, asking when they're getting pregnant, or how much weight she lost. We’re all here to have fun not start a debate, remember?

Be the bigger person.

No one likes to be ignored.

If someone takes the time to leave you a voicemail, take the time to call him or her back.

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Make your bed. Don’t monopolize the bathroom. Take your hostess out to dinner, or send a gift later. You want to be invited back, right?