This last weekend I had the opportunity to attend an etiquette simulation. I know when most people hear etiquette they think of table manners. There is so much more to it than that! I think one of the first places I heard the word etiquette was when I was learning to play tennis as a child, such as not walking behind someone while they are playing as it can be distracting.
The way etiquette was described at this event is making sure those around you feel comfortable and valued. This is made much easier if you can remember who you are, and who everyone else is, children of God. I know some girls have a hard time accepting chivalry, they need to remember who they are, and why boys want to respect them. Everyone has the opportunity to be kings and queens. In a nutshell, the word king came about originally came about from the word gen which changed into kin. This word was the base for the verb kinning which was shortened to the noun king. The first kings were the leaders of a family. The duties of kings and queens are to be givers and protectors of life. chivalry is one way men fulfill their kingly duties.
We had a class on language which I found very interesting and eye-opening. I don't use foul language, and that wasn't really brought up, what was more brought up was how we use language, and what we are actually saying. The thought was brought up about sarcasm, and how we shouldn't use language that degrades people, even if we don't mean it, and the people to whom we are talking know it. The topic was also brought up about how some of the common slang language today is oxymoronic. Such as when you might say "dude, that was sick!" or "that was wicked!" As one person pointed out, we are calling evil good, and good evil. That really stuck out to me.
Another class we had was on critical conversations, and how they may affect things, and how to handle them well. How we need to talk things out instead of bursting out in anger or giving the silent treatment.
One class I thought was really interesting was a class on body language, and how we can read other people's body language to figure out how we can make them comfortable. Such things as watching their body language to see how comfortable they are with how close we are. Also how to have a general idea of how and what a person may be thinking about by looking at their eyes. That made me think about how I may be thinking or feeling. Also how I need to look people in the eyes more often when I am talking to them so it doesn't seem like I am disinterested. For whatever reason I find it awkward to look people in the face when I am talking to them. Something I need to work on.
At the end we talked about general etiquette rules. It was really cool to hear guys' opinions on some of the rules. It was also cool to hear about some of their experiences over the couple days of the simulation. One topic that was brought up was standing up whenever a girl walks into a room or to or from the table. It will be interesting to see what my brother does at Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow as he also attended the simulation.
One person at my table at our banquet made the comment to the effect of 'imagine if everyone could be like we are tonight.' I agree with her, society is going downhill fast. A return to proper etiquette and refinement I believe would help solve a lot of the world's problems.
I will probably write more about this later, I just wanted to start really blogging and this had just happened.
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