David Morgan-Hewitt's Modern Manners - Part TWO.... Lifts!

Riding in a lift (or an elevator to our friends over the pond)

It is always a complete joy to have the lift completely to yourself. You can use the time to switch off for a moment or two or to gather your thoughts ready for your next meeting if working.

However, most of the time we are sharing our lift with a lot of other people. In fact at certain times we will find ourselves squashed like sardines into them. So what are the dos and don’ts of lift etiquette?

Do: Hold the door open for anybody who is running to catch it. There is little worse than missing a lift when you are running late. Also if you travel that lift regularly, they might do the same for you on another occasion.

Do: Use the stairs if only going up one floor. The lift is more use to those on the 40th floor!

Do: Press your own button, do not expect another passenger to act as the lift operator. Unless they offer to do so.

Don’t: Put on your make up when sharing a lift. It is rather common!

Don’t: Cough, splutter and sniff unless you really have to - it is most off putting to other travellers.

Don’t: Sing or talk to yourself – it can be very disturbing on so many levels.

David Morgan-Hewitt's Modern Manners - Part ONE

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU!

Every two weeks this year, I will be letting you in on some of the most important tips on etiquette that I have learnt along the way - David Morgan-Hewitt's Modern Manners. I do hope you enjoy them.

Thank You Letters

Well it is certainly the time to think about sending out those thank you letters – if you have not already done so. What are the rules of etiquette that apply in such situations?

Do hand write your thank you letters whenever you can. It is so much more personal to receive a handwritten note. These days so much comes via email and texts or computer generated letters which just makes your handwritten note all the more special.

Timing is important as with most things. Certainly you should write within 7-10 days of receiving the gift. I knew someone who was a little late with theirs one year and she ended up having to forfeit a summer holiday in Barbados as a punishment. So you have been warned.

The golden rule is never underestimate the joy a thank you card brings the recipient. It actually reminds us of the manners of days gone by.