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

Travel Manners

Here's a little teaser from my next column in Solares Hill.

Q. I don’t understand why people push and shove to be first on a plane when we’re all going to the same place and the plane can’t leave until we’re all on it and seated. How do you suggest I deal with these rude passengers?
A. Dearest tender heart, there is nothing more rude than a pusher or shover. I wouldn’t be surprised if these people had been chastised for this kind of behavior as children. Something about airplanes that make adults act like children and believe me it’s not because they’re going to Disney World! The best way to handle these types is to step aside and let them go ahead or to wait until everyone has boarded. I really don’t know when airlines are going to finally get it and let window seats sit first etc.

We all know these people, they should be made to go to the back of the line.

TIPS - To Insure Prompt Service

TIPS: maybe it sould be proper service.

It's the holiday season; so don't forget to TIP all those people that make your life easier and go out of their way for you. You should let them know throughout the year how much you appreciate them, but if you're like a lot of people, time goes too fast and it seems like last month was the holidays...Oh it was for our Jewish friends.

Cash is best. It doesn't matter if you can only spare $5. Go load a gift card at a coffee shop or gas station or subway card. It's not the amount, it's the thought. If you can afford it...make it more.

Who should be tipped? Maintenence workers at your apartment building, lawn service, cleaning people, delivery people, anyone in your life on a regular basis.

Take a breath, enjoy the holidays.
xoxoAmanda