Knowing When to Exit

A funny title for a column I agree, but ever so important. Recently, as you may know my column was cancelled and it was just devastating to me...but understandable because of the expense of print newspapers. My cancelation reminded me of the manners of making a lovely exit.

When invited to an event it is always polite to leave at the end. If it is a formal event, such as a symphonic concert, ballet or opera, you must leave when it is finished and not before. It is bad manners to rustle yourself out of the hall just as the last few notes are being played before the applause has begun. What a little piggy you are thinking you can avoid the traffic crunch out of the parking lot.

If you are at a dinner party of course you mustn't leave until the last of the food has been served and the final dinner conversation has begun. Leaving mid-meal because Gossip Girl is on is very impolite, especially now when you have TiVo and Hulu. I once had a friend who came to dinner and turned the television on in the middle so she wouldn't miss her silly program. Needless to say I've removed all televisions from my home.

Making a lovely exit requires a commitment to your host that you are there because you enjoy their company and that you would rather spend time with them than anyplace else at that given time.

It's quite simple, like good manners. Treat others how you would like to be treated.
xoxo Amanda