Often, I’d hear stories about etiquette in situations where people have to impress others, such as dating and dinner with an important client or executive. It can mislead people to think that practicing good etiquette entitles them to act in a condescending way to others who are not as well versed in the same area. Etiquette is not only limited to impressing others; it is a code of conduct, or code of behaviour.

Why is having a code of conduct important? First of all, etiquette stems from thinking of others before yourself. It comes from caring about others, putting them at ease. From that, it helps you build relations with people.

Here’s a list of etiquette that is useful in while you run your daily errands:

* Driving (in North America): driving on the right lane. Left lane is the passing lane. Slow traffic happens when people hog on both lanes, not leaving one for passing. Also, always signal before changing lanes.

* Public Transportation: give your seat to the seniors or pregnant women. Rarely is this seen nowadays in big cities.

* Elevator: stand aside to let people out of the elevator before you get in. If your destination is on the top floor, get in first. If the destination is on the lower floors, get in last. This way, people do not have to walk in and out of the elevator to let you exit.

* Cell phone: turn off cell phones in hospitals, places of worship, restaurants and places of entertainment.

* Escalator: stand on the right hand side; if you have a bag,

* Paying for food in a fast food restaurant: have your money ready in your hands before you order. This speeds up the ordering process.

* Shopping Cart: when you shop at a supermarket and need stop to look at the shelves, please push your cart to the side, so that it does not block other shoppers.

* Pedestrians: when the light turns yellow, do not cross the road. Otherwise you run the risk of drivers who do not have the patience to wait for you to finish crossing the road when your light turns red. Safety is key.

* Parents: keep your children close to you when you are outside your home. You are to watch out for your children's safety, not others.

* Cough and Sneeze: cover your mouth with a hand.

These are just a few basics to get by in day to day life. If you are able to think of others before yourself, you are a true relationship builder. Great etiquette is key to all relationships.

Noelle Wong sees and unveils beauty in people. She is the owner of iN-IMAGE! Inc., a personal image consulting company in Toronto that offers one-on-one consultations and workshops to help people increase their personal presence. For inquiries please contact her at noelle@in-image.com. Visit her website at http://www.in-image.com

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