Etiquette Tips From Advice Guru Liz Pryor: Don't Forget to RSVP
Advice guru Liz Pryor gives tips on minding your manners in a high-tech world.
June 7, 2011 — -- Times are changing, that is evident. What used to be customary, thoughtful behavior, and generally respectful conduct, seems now to be fading, as technology seeps its way into the culture at a record pace. Our overflowing lives might be morphing our daily conduct into patterns that are causing some serious disturbances.
At some point, we'll be forced to more seriously address and implement conduct applying to Facebook, texting, cell phones, emails and IMs. Because our relationships are suffering, our connectedness is fading and, ultimately, we will feel the effects to the point where we will simply have to take them seriously.
For now, what about all the other stuff, the stuff that used to be? The things we used to remember to do. The thought we used to put into the gestures and generosity and social graces of our friends? Without thinking too much, we all used to show respect and regard for one another in little, tiny ways that made our world an easier, more appreciative place.
I'm not even addressing words such as etiquette and protocol. They are merely words. But once upon a time, good manners and people who displayed graciousness were the people who kept morale and decency something cool and appealing.
I've received dozens and dozens of letters regarding people's frustration with what seems to be a widespread issue regarding the lack of respect and thought from guests invited to social gatherings.
The concern begins with a notice of the absence of sending an RSVP. Yes, a lack of responding when invited to a social gathering. From what I'm reading, we are seemingly sinking to a level socially that borders on pathetic with its lack of social grace.
Could we be living in a time when responding to a party has become too much of a burden to take on? Clearly, if this keeps up, in another half decade, it will be solidified. And what was deemed completely socially unacceptable will indeed become the norm.
Which begs the question: Is this who we want to be to one another?
Ten years ago we received most of our invitations for social gatherings in our mailboxes outside our homes. And nowhere on them were we able to view the other guests who were invited. We were given a time, a day and an occasion. And we RSVP'd within a certain time frame with a phone call, yes or no.
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