One of many reasons why my grandmother and I bonded so much was because I am happily of a previous generation. I often joke that I was born two generations too late, and, aside from the availability of air conditioning, sometimes wish I was. If I’m being totally honest, despite being a millennial myself, really don’t like the millennial lifestyle.
One common trait of millennials is that, whether we like to admit it or not, the world revolves around us. “But my dream!” “Look at my social media post!” “Selfies!” If we’re honest, we’re all about this lifestyle and feed in to others’ as well. It is what it is. I’ve embraced the world of social media because it’s not going anywhere, and, if I’m honest, I kind of love Instagram.
That being said, one area we are majorly lacking are common courtesies that were never questioned in the past. Here I’ll talk about a few of them. Even though things might be starting to be lost does NOT mean it’s OK. It’s time to reclaim the etiquette that has been around for generations. Maybe then other generations won’t hate us so much.
Thank you cards
Words can’t express how valuable these little babies are. If someone gives you a gift, yes even if that someone is your peer, drop a thank you card in the mail. If someone takes you to a play and foots the bill for a ticket (or uses their connections to hook you up), send a thank you card. If someone takes time out of their day to grant you a job interview, sent him or her a thank you card. If you are in sales and pitch to someone, send him or her a thank you card. If you think you should be grateful about something, send a thank you card. You can NEVER lose by sending one. Never. They’re worth the five minutes it takes, and this practice will make you so much more appreciative of all the little things in life.
Eye contact
It was a little mysterious to me why this is such an issue for so many people until I remembered the tiny computers we keep in our pockets and purses that make us cast our eyes downward. If you’re talking to someone, look him or her in the eye, put your phone away and be fully present. Not making eye contact is something I catch myself doing a lot, and I need to stop, so I’m right there with you!
Common conversation skills
Put. The. Phone. Away. If you find it too tempting, leave it in your car.
If someone asks about you, don’t monopolize the conversation. Say your piece and then ask about them. The world doesn’t revolve around you.
Dress up when you need to dress up
Even if no one else is. Have a job interview? In most cases, don a suit. Going to church? For the Love of God, cover your cleavage. All of it. A formal dinner? Do some research before looking sexy. In many cases, covering up to er on the side of caution is a good idea.
I’m not being body-shaming or moralistic. There’s a time and a place for every kind of dress. Be smart about it.
Stop flaking
I probably should have moved this to the top, because this is seriously an epidemic. If you say you’re going to be at something, go to it. If something more fun comes up last minute, too bad. You made a commitment. If you’re too tired to go, too bad. You made a commitment. Honor other people’s time in the same way you would expect to have your time honored.
If you absolutely must cancel, pick up the phone and have a voice-on-voice conversation. Texts don’t count. Be respectful.
So good! I got a chuckle about the “for the love of God…cleavage” comment.