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While people are wondering if etiquette is still relevant in the 21st century, expert William Hanson is proving that it is, one TikTok at a time. His interest in it started at 12 years old when his grandmother gifted him a book of etiquette for Christmas. From that point on, it grew into a full career, helping people become as mannered as the British royals. 

Today we’re diving deeper into some of his most recommended rules of etiquette that ideally every person should know. From the intricacies of wine tasting to knowing where to leave your empty sugar packet, William Hanson has our backs in almost every situation. To find his quality etiquette tips, all you have to do is scroll down!

While you’re noting them down, don’t forget to check out a conversation with etiquette consultant Antoinette Akanji from the School of Etiquette and Maryanne Parker, etiquette expert and founder of Manor of Manners, who kindly agreed to tell us more about the importance of good manners in today’s society.

Etiquette expert William Hanson went viral sharing etiquette tips and tricks


@williamhansonetiquette

Spear(s)! #dining #etiquette #williamhanson ♬ It's Raining Men - The Weather Girls

Here are the top recommendations that everyone should know

#1

Keep It Off The Table - Even If It Does Require A Heavy Tuck

Keep It Off The Table - Even If It Does Require A Heavy Tuck

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Stephanie M Machado
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely, my husband and I have implemented this rule since we were dating. There is no reason to have your phone out while you're eating in the company of somebody else unless it's an emergency.

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#2

Bombastic Side Eye

Bombastic Side Eye

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Melissa Harris
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Holding you bag infront stops people from opening it up and stealing your stuff.

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#3

It’s All About The Eye Contact! As Much As You Might Like To Be, You Are Not Anna Wintour

It’s All About The Eye Contact! As Much As You Might Like To Be, You Are Not Anna Wintour

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Pittsburgh rare
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remove them, but l put them back on pretty soon. There's a reason l'm wearing them.

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A 34-year-old etiquette expert is one of the young representatives who are popularizing and modernizing the subject. His bite-size videos on TikTok and witty and approachable style of teaching manners help the young generation avoid feeling uncomfortable in situations where they don’t know if they’re doing the right thing.

Etiquette consultant Antoinette Akanji from the School of Etiquette tells Bored Panda that etiquette is as relevant as it’s ever been. “We would go as far as saying that it’s needed more in today’s society than ever. Our world is increasingly interconnected, and the way we interact with other people has a profound impact on both our personal and professional relationships,” explains Akanji. 

Meanwhile, Maryanne Parker, etiquette expert and founder of Manor of Manners, refers to this discipline as the sharpest of soft skills. "We use etiquette in our everyday lives, in any social or business situation. Etiquette is definitely a timeless practice that opens many doors. The purpose is to make everyone feel valued, respected, and at ease," she says.

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#4

A Damaged Rim Is An Awful Sight, Especially If You Are Given One As A Guest!

A Damaged Rim Is An Awful Sight, Especially If You Are Given One As A Guest!

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UnpopularPanda
Community Member
5 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Men are used to this one, elsewhere. We have to knock the drop off so it doesn't mess up while 'putting away'.

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#5

Addressing Same Sex Couple

Addressing Same Sex Couple

👬TWO MEN WITH THE SAME SURNAME

Traditional form: The Messrs Smith
Contemporary form: Mr John Smith and Mr Oliver Smith

- This styling is also correct for two brothers -

👭TWO WOMEN WITH THE SAME SURNAME

Traditional form: The Mses White
Contemporary form: Ms Joan White and Ms Paula White

- This styling is also correct for two sisters -

👬TWO MEN WITH DIFFERENT SURNAMES

Option 1: Mr Jones and Mr Smith
Option 2: Mr John Jones and Mr Oliver Smith
Option 3: Messrs Jones and Smith

👭TWO WOMEN WITH DIFFERENT SURNAMES

Option 1: Ms Andrews and Ms White
Option 2: Ms Joan Andrews and Ms Paula White
Option 3: Mses Andrews and White

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Hilary Gilbertson
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is there an approved pronunciation for the written form Messrs? You can't call them messers, it's rude. And Messieurs is just too pretentious.

Katchen
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The right to privacy is the point of “Ms.” No one can tell if a Mr. Is married, so why should women have to announce their status?

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Sheena Leversedge Wood
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

at least theyre not going to get an equivalent to the very insulting Mrs husbands full name. only had that happen once, and made sure to tell them that my name is NOT and never will be Richard. HE'S Richard. I'm Sheena.

Nykky
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why are they being called Ms if they're married? It should be Mrs

Jeevesssssss
Community Member
5 months ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Or... Mrs, maybe, now we're in the 21st century and women get MARRIED instead of bring spinster 'sisters'???

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#6

When The Cheeseboard Is Passed Around, Don’t Commit This Cardinal Sin!

When The Cheeseboard Is Passed Around, Don’t Commit This Cardinal Sin!

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The etiquette experts often notice that people narrow good manners down to just following arbitrary rules, but note that it’s a lot more than that. “Etiquette is about showing respect, consideration, and kindness to those around us. In today’s fast-paced and often impersonal digital age, good manners can help foster positive communication, reduce misunderstandings, and create a more pleasant and cooperative environment for everyone," says Akanji.

Knowing and having rules of etiquette as a guide helps people navigate social situations with confidence and grace, whether they’re in a professional setting, at a family gathering, or having a casual meet-up with friends.

#7

Down Girl!

Down Girl!

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Robert Beveridge
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am not sure I have ever, in my fifty-five years on this planet, noticed the direction my tines were facing.

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#8

People Can Get Very Fussy About At Which Angle This Should Be And In Different Countries It Can Be At Slightly Different Angles, But All Waiters Are Really Looking For Is The Cutlery Going Together To Signal You Are Finished

People Can Get Very Fussy About At Which Angle This Should Be And In Different Countries It Can Be At Slightly Different Angles, But All Waiters Are Really Looking For Is The Cutlery Going Together To Signal You Are Finished

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⨺⃝ ~Just-A-Black-Cat-Lover~ ⨺⃝
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lucky for me, I'm in Ohio, where we could give absolutely ZERO FORKS about the way you place your cutlery or this or that, etiquette-wise.

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#9

Discretion Is Great Etiquette

Discretion Is Great Etiquette

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We were also curious to know if experts think people in today’s society are generally well-mannered. Unfortunately, there’s still a lot of room for improvement. Akanji says, “It varies depending on the context and community. However, one can strongly argue that there are certain areas in society, where good manners are no longer being upheld nor valued, and decorum seems to definitely be on the decline.”

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Parker agrees that there are things to work on concerning this subject. "Etiquette continues to be an obscured, unwanted topic for most. Otherwise, we will be learning etiquette in school. Back in the day, etiquette was reserved only for the aristocracy and wealthy families. It was about exclusion!

Today, we have so many etiquette schools and so much information about etiquette that we hardly have an excuse to be ill-mannered. However, good manners start at home and need to be reinforced on a daily basis," says Parker.

#10

When You've Ordered A Bottle Of Wine And They've Poured Just A Little Bit Into Your Glass

When You've Ordered A Bottle Of Wine And They've Poured Just A Little Bit Into Your Glass

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Donkeywheel
Community Member
5 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Completely incorrect, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. There are several ways a bottle of wine can go wrong, and even specialists need to taste it, and not just smell it, to assess the quality of the wine. Obviously you don’t drink the whole glass but you definitely have to taste it. Don’t pretend to know what you’re doing with your ridiculous « little sniff ».

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#11

Some People In The Etiquette World Think That Grape Scissors Are Uncommon, But If You Are Presented With Them It Is Good To Know How To Use Them

Some People In The Etiquette World Think That Grape Scissors Are Uncommon, But If You Are Presented With Them It Is Good To Know How To Use Them

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Robert Beveridge
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait, I thought we were supposed to be holding our backpacks in front of our grapes

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#12

You Can Spear(S) Your Peas More Elegantly By Using Your Nearest Sticky Foodstuff As A Glue With Your Tines

You Can Spear(S) Your Peas More Elegantly By Using Your Nearest Sticky Foodstuff As A Glue With Your Tines

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The biggest culprit of this is taking communication to the digital environment, where people in the anonymity of the internet can be rude and lack empathy. However, there’s still hope, as many people still value and practice good manners. 

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“As etiquette consultants, we are seeing growing movement/ traction towards people wanting to promote kindness, inclusivity, and mindfulness, which only suggests a growing awareness of the importance of respectful interactions and etiquette in general,” Akanji tells us.

#13

No One Likes A Heavy Squirter

No One Likes A Heavy Squirter

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#15

Egg And Soldiers Etiquette

Egg And Soldiers Etiquette

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Multa Nocte
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry, but what the hell is a soldier and is he going to mind if I dunk him?

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The experts from the School of Etiquette generally remain hopeful. “Overall, while there is much room for improvement, there remains a strong foundation of good manners in pockets of society. It’s our hope that this foundation will only encourage more people to get together and build on that foundation so that we see positive changes and long-lasting growth in society.”

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#17

It’s A Sign Of The Tines!

It’s A Sign Of The Tines!

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#18

De-Gloving Is Great Etiquette

De-Gloving Is Great Etiquette

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Akanji kindly shared some additional key etiquette guidelines that everyone should know and practice, starting with basic politeness. “Simple words like "please," "thank you," and "excuse me" go a long way in everyday interactions,” she notes.

#19

Don’t Make This Mistake While Having Your Christmas Lunch!

Don’t Make This Mistake While Having Your Christmas Lunch!

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#20

You May Think That It Is Good Etiquette To Always Use Cutlery, But Did You Know That Correct Etiquette Often Entails Using Your Hands To Eat Food?

You May Think That It Is Good Etiquette To Always Use Cutlery, But Did You Know That Correct Etiquette Often Entails Using Your Hands To Eat Food?

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R Dennis
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We season our asparagus with butter and spices... I will use a fork thank you. I hate oily fingers. (We have a farm ½ a mile away and it's currently asparagus season, so we get it picked the same day. Delicious!)

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#21

While Others Should Never Pressurise You To Drink, And You Should Call It Out When It Happens

While Others Should Never Pressurise You To Drink, And You Should Call It Out When It Happens

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A. HAM
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is just stupid. If you don’t drink alcohol, who cares? It’s not anybody’s business but your own.

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Respecting people’s personal space is also important. “Be mindful of personal boundaries and avoid invading other people’s personal space without permission,” says Akanji. And when someone is speaking to you, try to listen, avoid interrupting, and show that you value their input. 

#22

Muscles > Mussels

Muscles > Mussels

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LonelyLittleLeafSheep
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or I can just put the empty shell off to the side and continue to use the fork. Seriously, who makes this garbage up?

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#23

Althought No One Wants Sticky Fingers

Althought No One Wants Sticky Fingers

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#24

Where Can You Put Your Bag When Sitting At A Table

Where Can You Put Your Bag When Sitting At A Table

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Other recommendations include:

Respect others in digital communication. Avoid using all caps (which can be interpreted as shouting), respond promptly to messages, and refrain from oversharing personal information in public forums.

Punctuality: Being on time shows respect for others’ time and commitments.

Gratitude: Express appreciation for others’ efforts and kindness, whether through verbal acknowledgment or our personal favorite: a thank you note.

Dining Manners/Skills: Follow basic dining etiquette, such as chewing with your mouth closed, not speaking with a full mouth, and using utensils properly.

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#25

My Mid-Morning Snack Routine

My Mid-Morning Snack Routine

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Multa Nocte
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone. Anyone. If a person from this site EVER sees me eating a pear like this in public I hereby give you permission to shoot me.

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#26

Don’t Make This 'Common' Mistake!

Don’t Make This 'Common' Mistake!

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Nannychachi
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But you said that a knife isn't supposed to touch the bread! Make up your mind, man!

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#27

Got A Sweet Tooth? Follow This Tip To Avoid Any Nasty *detritus* In An Otherwise Elegant Restaurant

Got A Sweet Tooth? Follow This Tip To Avoid Any Nasty *detritus* In An Otherwise Elegant Restaurant

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“In addition to traditional etiquette, it’s important to recognize the evolving nature of social norms and practices,” says Akanji. “Cultural sensitivity and inclusivity are paramount in today’s globalized society, and that’s why we at The School of Etiquette feel that understanding and respecting cultural differences can enhance our interactions and build stronger, more harmonious communities. 

By combining timeless principles of etiquette with an awareness of contemporary issues, we can navigate our social and professional lives with greater ease and empathy.”

#28

Lots Of People Have Been Asking Me Where To Put The Sauce When Enjoying A Nice Bit Of Rump!

Lots Of People Have Been Asking Me Where To Put The Sauce When Enjoying A Nice Bit Of Rump!

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#29

Always Push Your Bottom Back As Much As You Can Bear!

Always Push Your Bottom Back As Much As You Can Bear!

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#30

Remember To Unwrap The Tip Before Devouring

Remember To Unwrap The Tip Before Devouring

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Phobrek
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Remember To Unwrap The Tip Before Devouring THATSWHATHESAID

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Note: this post originally had 44 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.