Bringing Etiquette Into 2023

Full Article Published in New York Weekly, Jan 6 2023

What do you think of when you hear the word “etiquette?”

If you think it’s a word that belongs to yesterday, to a more “prim and proper” time gone by, perhaps at best relating it to the days of Emily Post (the American socialite who died in 1960, having built her name as an etiquette advice columnist), read on.

The first known use of the word was far before the Post era. The word was actually first used in France in 1737, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. In its initial usage, the word actually referred to a “ticket.” Interestingly, nearly 300 years later, etiquette is still the ticket to success.

“The power of good etiquette can set a person apart from the rest of the crowd,” says Rachana Adyanthaya, one-half of the hosting team of the popular Manners Matter 2 podcast. “It can have a profound impact on first impressions and ability to instill trust, confidence, and rapport. These are essential skills that can carry one through life and set one up for success.”

“It is the finishing touch,” agrees Esteve Boyd, who hosts the popular show along with Rachana. “It’s the added polish and refinement that plays such an important role in people’s impressions. It can make all the difference.”