Archive for the 'Modern Manners Guy' Category

« Previous Entries
Next Entries »

Can You Bring Kids to Restaurants?

Published November 4, 2011 Modern Manners Guy 5 Comments

by Modern Manners Guy

When bringing children to restaurants, first realize that there are only so many you should be choosing from in the first place. If you are expecting to bring a child to Nobu or Ruth’s Chris, think again. Here are 3 tips to a successful outing:

Can you bring your kids to restaurants? Photo courtesy of Joel Rodgers (GettyImages.com)

Can you bring your kids to restaurants? Photo courtesy of Joel Rodgers (GettyImages.com)

Tip #1: Avoid Restaurants With Long Waits

Even if you have a reservation, some restaurants still make you wait to be seated. Kids think in the “now” so look for a place that understands this and you’ll avoid a scene.

Tip #2: Time Your Dinner Correctly

Don’t think you are going to visit a restaurant at the hip, hot hours when most people go out. Always go earlier. You’ll get a better table, beat the rush, and even if your child has an outburst, you’ll be bothering a much smaller group of people.

Tip #3: Provide Your Own Entertainment

Come armed with activities to keep kids calm and entertained, like a mini DVD player with their favorite show. Slowly, over time you will wean them off of this, but when kids are young, a DVD player may save you. Just make sure it’s not loud enough to bother anyone else.

Over time, your kids will grow to enjoy and respect dining out. It’s just a matter of getting them used to the experience.

Your Guide to Dressing Up

Published November 2, 2011 Modern Manners Guy 3 Comments
Tags: , , , ,

by Modern Manners Guy

Modern Manners GuyIf you’re confused about what to wear to an event, you’re not alone. Most of the really strange formalities have passed away along with the Age of the Debutante, but there are still a few gradations of formal dress you should be aware of.

White Tie –  An invitation to a White Tie event is very rare, unless you know some diplomats. For a White Tie event, men should wear a white bow tie, white waistcoat, and black jacket with tails. Women should wear an elegant floor-length evening gown, gloves, and jewelry. Historically “Formal” meant White Tie, but nowadays Formal generally refers to Black Tie.

via dslrninja/Flickr

Black Tie – For women, this would have historically required a long dress, but today a short dress or evening suit may do. For men, this means tuxedo. A tuxedo should be worn with a tuxedo shirt with matching studs and cufflinks, a bowtie (preferably hand-tied), patent leather shoes, and either a cummerbund or a waistcoat (never both). If you wear a cummerbund, it should be worn with the pleats facing up. Continue reading ‘Your Guide to Dressing Up’

Grocery Store Etiquette

Published October 26, 2011 Modern Manners Guy 2 Comments
Tags: , , , ,

The Modern Manners Guyby Modern Manners Guy

What can be more American than a good ol’ fashioned grocery store?  However, no matter how nice the amenities, sometimes it’s the patrons that will ruin the visit. So, here are my top 3 Quick and Dirty Tips for happy shopping:

Tip #1 – It’s Not NASCAR

I love my local, friendly grocery store. But unfortunately, it was turning into a NASCAR track! Carts carelessly whip around the aisles, at unheard of speeds.  While grocery shopping, don’t rush.  There’s no need to make it an all day trip, but you’d be

Grocery Store Etiquette

Do you have proper grocery store etiquette? Photo courtesy of Getty Images

amazed at how relaxing it can be if you took your time.  Also, drop the cell phone. If you have one hand on your phone, how can you maneuver the cart? Try a headset, if you are taking calls.

Tip #2 – Over the Limit?

This is a great concept that works if you follow the directions. Which is easy — only bring in the limit of food that the line says. Done! If you have more, step out of line and join the regular one.

Continue reading ‘Grocery Store Etiquette’

When to Arrive: A Modern Manners Guy Primer

Published October 21, 2011 Modern Manners Guy Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , ,

By Modern Manners Guy

Modern Manners GuySome events require punctuality, while others are more casual, where it’s acceptable to be fashionably late. Let’s break it down:

  • Meeting friends for a meal at a restaurant – arrive precisely on time.
  • Meeting someone for a movie – arrive at least 5 minutes early.
  • Meeting a friend at his or her home – arrive on time.

  • (via hannahneh710/Flickr)

    Someone is meeting you at your home – arrive at least 10 minutes early

  • Running more than 5 minutes late – call the person whom you are meeting and let him or her know your ETA. Continue reading ‘When to Arrive: A Modern Manners Guy Primer’

Modern Manners Guy is on FOX Extra! – Part 2

Published October 20, 2011 Modern Manners Guy Leave a Comment
Tags: , ,

Check out Modern Manners Guy‘s second guest spot on FOX Extra. This one is about job interview etiquette for the 21st century.

Are you doing everything to land your dream job? Watch to find out!

Modern Manners Guy is on FOX Extra! – Part 1

Published October 20, 2011 Modern Manners Guy 2 Comments

Modern Manners GuyCheck out Modern Manners Guy‘s social media etiquette tips on FOX Extra!

 

Richie Frieman (aka Modern Manners Guy) talking about social media etiquette


Gym Etiquette

Published October 15, 2011 Modern Manners Guy 2 Comments
Tags: , , , , ,

By Modern Manners Guy

Modern Manners GuyThese days you can exercise in private gyms, office gyms, public gyms and even just the great outdoors. With more people exercising as of late, herds of new gym-goers are bringing different ideas of what’s acceptable to gyms across the country. Here are a few areas where things can get a bit awkward, but with these tips you can retain your poise and dignity AND get a ripped physique.

  1. Appropriate Workout Attire: Frankly, there are some workout clothes that absolutely should not be worn by anyone. Anything see-through (especially when sweaty) or too revealing should be covered by at least one more article of clothing. There are folks that go to the gym to see and be seen, but that’s not what a gym is for.
  2. Etiquette for the Gym Machines: Most gyms have a policy for how long you can use each treadmill, bike, or other piece of equipment at a time—especially during the busiest hours. Please follow these rules. If you’ve waited your fair share of time, try to get the errant person’s attention. If ignored, head over to management, but be careful since it will create an even bigger rift. However, it will make your point. Oh, and if you get a little sweaty, please clean up after yourself.
  3. Not Socially Networking: Save all the chit-chat for the few minutes before and after something like an aerobics class or for the parking lot. Most folks either can’t talk while doing the treadmill or don’t want to talk because they are focusing on lifting weights and getting results. Just be sensitive to those who are serious about their workouts and save your conversation for outside the gym. If someone approaches you when you’re in your zone, just ask, “Can we chat later?”
  4. Locker Room Etiquette: This is yet one more part of the trip that should probably not be a social event. Though there are folks who can handle locker room conversation in stride, most folks find it mortifying, especially if they suddenly run into someone from the office. Just be sensitive to the fact that not everyone wants to have a meet-and-greet in their unmentionables. And if someone approaches you in the locker room with intent to chat, feel free to let them know that you are much more comfortable conversing when everyone is fully clothed.

This can be an uncomfortable place (via flattop341/Flickr)

What is Proper Wedding Attire?

Published October 10, 2011 Modern Manners Guy 1 Comment

Modern Manners Guyby Modern Manners Guy

Regardless if it’s a black tie affair at the nicest hotel in the city, or a casual beach wedding, dressing improperly for the occasion will not only ruin your night, it might also dampen the bride and groom’s big day (hello bad photos!). Here are 3 Quick and Dirty Tips for making the right impression:

Tip #1 – It’s a Wedding, Not Halloween

I will admit the 70’s powder blue tuxedo is one of my favorite Halloween costumes. Who doesn’t like a cummerbund that’s so big, it looks like something a sumo wrestler would wear to the ring? When picking

Festive or frightening? Make sure you strike the right note.

out a wedding outfit, think classic, think evergreen.  Now, when I say classic, I don’t mean dull. Weddings are a great time to dress up, strut your stuff, and kick your heels up for a night out on the town…just do it properly and respectfully.

Tip #2 – Don’t Try to Steal the Show

For your own wedding, go ahead and rock whatever you like. You can wear one of Lady Gaga’s meat dresses for all I care. But when it’s someone else’s special day, leave the freak show outfits in the closet.

Tip #3 – Remember, You’ll Have to Move

When you’re going to a wedding, wear something you can dance in, eat in, stand in, and of course, don’t feel like you are going to burst out of. Guy or girl, wear shoes that are nice and comfortable. Don’t wear something that feels like a vice on your foot. Also, it’s key to make sure your outfit is tailored before the event.

Reader Question: Do you have a great story about improper wedding attire you’ve witnessed?

Post all the details in Comments below.  I look forward to hearing from you at manners@quickanddirtytips.com. Check out my Modern Manners GuyFacebook page, follow me on Twitter @MannersQDT, and of course, check back next week for more Modern Manners Guy tips.

“Pardon Me”–When to Say It

Published October 7, 2011 Modern Manners Guy 8 Comments
Tags: , , , ,

By Modern Manners Guy

Modern Manners GuyStrict traditionalists will tell you that you should not just say “Pardon me” if you accidentally bump up against someone in a crowded space. “Pardon” is a command, and it would be rude to command someone to pardon you after you’ve committed some infraction against his or her person.

Try “I beg your pardon” or “Please excuse me” instead– now you are asking for forgiveness for your terrible transgression. In modern times, however, everyone more or less understands that “Pardon me” is intended as an apology for something intrusive or unpleasant.

It's easy to rub someone the wrong way in crowded places like Times Square (Devon_Maid/Flickr)

If you unintentionally push, jostle, bump or otherwise upset a person or his belongings, apologize or ask for forgiveness. In such a case, it would be fine to say something as elaborate as “I’m terribly sorry, I beg your pardon,” or as simple as “So sorry” or “Pardon me.” It is also reasonable to scale your response based on the situation; gently bumping someone in the airplane aisle versus spilling a glass of wine in someone’s lap deserve different levels of apology.

You may also beg pardon or apologize for something you are just about to do. For example, if you need to leave the table in the middle of the meal, it is appropriate to say, “Please excuse me.” If you need to interrupt a conversation, you should say something like “I’m terribly sorry to interrupt.”  If you are in a theater and need to pass by seated patrons, try “Please excuse me, but may I pass by?” or simply the shorthand, “Pardon me.” You may even find it easier, if not more pleasant, to get past fellow passengers in a crowded street car if you beg their pardon first.

Proper Black Tie Attire

Published October 7, 2011 Modern Manners Guy Leave a Comment

Modern Manners Guyby Modern Manners Guy

Is it too short? Too long? Too sexy?

When it comes to a black tie affair, I recommend keeping it classic and comfortable. If your night will last over 5 hours, don’t sacrifice your own comfort for those perfect shoes, that slick coat, or the way-too-tight dress.  Make sure you can dance and, of course, if you hit the dessert bar too many times, that your pants will stay up too.

Black Tie does not mean boring. (via Charles Media Photography)

Can you wear a short dress? YES! Short is perfectly fine. It’s 2011, not 1955. However, go more classic than Kardashian, if you know what I mean.

Should you wear heels? Of course! Rock em’ out. However, don’t sport the super high heels and again, think comfort. They make tons that are acceptable and won’t cause internal bleeding if you slip and fall.

Can you wear bright colors? Of course! But don’t do the powder blue, Dumb & Dumber tuxedo. Or for the ladies, keep away from the 90′s neon. Use bright colors that accent the season as well.

Weddings are a time of celebration and a chance to kick your heels up for a great night out. Don’t wear something out of Lady Gaga’s closet (or something that will overshadow the bride). After all, it’s her day — you’re just coming along for the party. Cheers!

Have you seen some awful black tie outfits? Tell us in Comments!

Blog Home Quick and Dirty Tips Home     About this Blog From the Store Our Experts

Quick and Dirty categories

Twitter Feed

Our Experts Recommend…

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 147 other followers