Ask Ann - Etiquette Questions & Answers
by: Ann Woods
Summertime Etiquette Tips
When spraying on perfume, remember that “a little dab will do you”. Many people suffer from allergies and excessive perfume can be a great irritant. Don’t spray perfume on your clothing. Perfume should only be noticed by those in very close proximity. If you can detect perfume at a distance greater than an arm’s length, it’s over done. Too much perfume, too much jewelry, too much make-up and flashy clothing are not appropriate in a business setting. Don’t limit your success- dress conservatively!
Q. My husband and I have recently installed a pool in our backyard. The neighbors are dropping subtle hints, such as “My children are so anxious to try out your new pool.” Neighbors would never dream of asking you to borrow your new car. Why is it that they think nothing of inviting themselves over to you your pool? How can I tactfully take care of this?
A. It is certainly your right not to entertain your neighborhood. You could say “ I’m afraid we can’t have people using the pool when we’re not home- insurance liability- and since we’re not at home very often; when we are there, we like to relax alone. Or you might have a pool party- perhaps an annual event with a specific date- such as the second Saturday in August.
Q. My prom date and I have decided we are going to dance with other people. Is it appropriate for ladies to ask gentlemen to dance? What is the correct way to ask for a dance?
A. Yes, it is certainly fine to ask a gentleman to dance. Either gender should follow these rules of dance etiquette:
If the person you wish to dance with is sitting with their date or partner, do not ask unless you and your partner ask both of them to dance.
It is perfectly acceptable to ask someone who is sitting alone or in a group by simply asking: “Would you like to dance?”
I would commend you and your prom date for deciding to dance with others. It is always more fun to enjoy mixing and mingling with a lot of people at social functions. Don’t forget to thank the person for the dance and remind gentlemen that they should seat the lady after the dance- don’t leave her standing on the dance floor.
The National League of Cotillions offers a wide range of etiquette classes covering a variety of everyday topics, such as: introductions, greeting and shaking hands, sports etiquette, & family dining. Ann also covers more formal parts of etiquette: formal dining, eating unusual foods, receiving lines, and sending and receiving invitations and thank you notes. In addition students receive extensive instruction in social dancing.
Ann is the Area Director of the National League of Cotillions, teaching etiquette classes and social dancing to young people in kindergarten through twelfth grade in East Tennessee and SouthwestV irginia. In addition, Ann also conducts etiquette classes and business protocol classes for adults. She works with colleges, universities, and businesses throughout the Mountain Empire. To schedule Ann as a corporate or guest speaker or for details about next year’s Cotillion programs, call or email: Ann Woods, phone: 423-989-3316, email: cotillion@btes.tv
