Interpersonal Skills Stack Exchange
Interpersonal Skills Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [courtesy]

Courtesy is a behavior marked by polished manners or respect for others. Whenever a courteous and respectful act or expression is used or needed.

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How does one respond to statements like "It's all yours"?

There's a coffee-dispensing machine (similar in concept to a Keurig) in my apartment lobby for use by the tenants. As coffee is a popular morning beverage, occasionally I have to wait behind one or two people. The past couple days, I have had to…
dth02134
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How can I invite a friend but not his girlfriend?

I'm planning on having a birthday party. I'd like to invite a friend of mine, however, nobody in our group likes his girlfriend. Is there a polite way of hinting I don't want her there? Chances are that she might show up with him anyway even if…
infinitezero
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Under what circumstances is it okay to not hold a door open?

So, we’ve all had a situation where someone is coming into—our out of—some place, we notice someone coming towards the doorway we are in… At what point is it safe to just let a door close an not hold it open? By my benchmark, if I make eye contact…
Giacomo1968
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How can I politely tell someone who is ineffectively holding a door open for me, “Thanks, but no thanks.”

The key word here is “ineffectively.” I have no problem with someone holding a door open for me. They hold it open, I thank them, life goes on. But something I have noticed recently is that some people are excessively and ineffectively holding a…
Giacomo1968
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What do you say to a woman who asks you to dance when you don’t want to?

Unfortunately for me, I am a guy who does not like to dance. I am bad at it (at best). So I try to shy away from circumstances where I would be asked by someone to dance. But there are times when that it is relatively unavoidable, like at a…
John
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Offering to ride along with women when it's dark

When growing up my brother and I where taught that, when it's night, you should offer girls/women to ride along when you are on bike or on foot to prevent unsafe situations. This wasn't saying that women aren't able to stand up for themselves but…
Iarwain
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When should I offer my seat on public transport?

In the United Kingdom, when is it appropriate to offer your seat to someone on a train or bus? Okay, if someone is in distress by standing through disability or otherwise it seems clear enough. However, I am of a generation that manners dictated…
r m
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Are there "rules" for vaping etiquette?

In the past, it seemed generally accepted as a matter of courtesy that a smoker should ask "do you mind if I smoke?" This became more and more prescriptive as health concerns increased over the use of tobacco. Now the "safer" option of vaping is…
r m
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SARS-CoV2: When conflict arises over wearing masks, what should I say?

In Germany, due to the Corona pandemic, the government requires everyone to wear a mask over their mouth and nose in public when within enclosed spaces like supermarkets or public transportation. Nevertheless, some people do not wear a mask (or do…
hintze
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Does a greetings card require a return in kind?

Cards are sent, especially at "holiday time" (Christmas, New Years, and Hanukkah), with varying levels of intent based on the level of relationship. While some people send such "seasonal greetings" as a matter of course, others see it as an…
r m
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How can I offer priority seat to a plus sized lady that I assume is pregnant?

Firstly, please do correct me if it is not right/respectful to use the phrase ‘plus-sized’ as I am unsure of how it would be taken as, in other countries/cultures. Sometimes I face the situation and have seen people face the situation where, I am…
Susmitha
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Should food containers be returned to the donor?

In the event of bereavements and health emergencies, many people are given meals by friends and more distant relatives. While there is little (or no) question as to whether objects such as casserole dishes or Tupperware containers be returned (that…
r m
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Inquiring about a colleague's retirement plans without seeming to be rude?

A colleague is nearing retirement age, and you are curious as to when they will take the step and what they plan to get up to. Your intentions are not self-serving beyond the fact that you will miss the person when they go; and you are genuinely…
r m
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How and when to best approach a stranger about a “wardrobe malfunction?”

So a “wardrobe malfunction” can basically mean someone’s fly being open or someone’s dress, skirt getting bunched up in a weird way in their underpants. If I am dealing with friends, acquaintances, co-workers or someone I have some basic familiarity…
Giacomo1968
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How to apologise/thank college for being flexible with accommodation?

I'm going into my 4th year of University. I lived in college-owned accommodation for the first 3 years. I balloted in January for a college-owned room for 4th year, but this summer (June) I signed a contract to let a privately owned property with…
freddy
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