News and Articles

August 2004
The Daily Home Talladega, Sylacauga-Pell City, Alabama

Dear Millie,

There are times when I feel awkward when I am complimented. Someone might say, "Oh you look great; your hair looks terrific today" or "You have lost weight haven't you"? Usually, I answer in a defensive or self-deprecating manner, such as "No I thought I was having a bad hair day" or "No, I think I have gained weight". How should one answer?

Dear Reader,

When you receive a compliment you should say simply "Thank you". When you answer with a negative comment, the person addressing you will feel bad for saying anything. Yes, there are people who we think are insincere (does the name "Eddie Haskell" come to mind?). This is thought of as over complimenting, and it is, of course, most insincere and is sugar coating something that actually may be a lie. Remember "Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind, the second is to be kind, and the third is to be kind" - Henry James


Dear Millie,

I am not sure what to do with my napkin at the end of the meal. Should I refold and leave on the table, and if so, where?

Dear Reader,

The napkin should remain in your lap until you are ready to leave the table. If you must leave the table during the meal for any reason, leave your napkin on the seat of your chair, not on the table. When the meal is over, lay the napkin to the left of the plate. It need not be folded.


Dear Millie,

Do you have basic guidelines or etiquette tips for children to follow?

Dear Reader,

Yes, these tips are for all ages:

The Protocol School of Alabama

Etiquette Tips

By Millie Chastain

  1. Always remember to say "Please" and "Thank you". Everyone likes to be appreciated with a thank you. Turn a demand into a request just by saying "please". This will get help faster in any endeavor.
  2. Treat others with respect; doesn't it hurt you or make you angry when you are treated rudely? It's cool to follow the Golden Rule.
  3. Always remember when you are seated in school, cafeteria, fast-food restaurant, club meeting, or church, first impressions are important, but what you leave behind leaves a lasting impression. Always push in your chair and clean up your mess.
  4. "You don't get a second chance to make a first impression". Introducing yourself is how you make yourself known to others. Each time you are introduced, you have the opportunity to share who you are. During this brief moment, the other person will notice the way you say your name, the firmness of your hand shake, and your posture.
  5. Stand for all introductions, smile, make eye contact, introduce yourself confidently, and shake hands. This will make you stand out above the rest.
  6. Listen intently and don't interrupt. You have two ears and one mouth, so it is twice as important to listen as to speak.
  7. Think of how your voice might sound if you were hearing yourself during a fast food order. Have a pleasant "hello" when answering the telephone.
  8. Just because you can't remember someone's name it is not polite to ignore that person. It is perfectly acceptable to say "Please tell me your name again".
  9. Practice makes table manners habits. Work from the outside in and once you use a utensil, it doesn't go back on the table.
  10. Manners are used everywhere, not just at grandparents. Table manners, the use of please, excuse me, and thank you, polite greetings and nice conversation are important at home, at friends' homes, during and after school, in restaurants, and when shopping in the mall. They are important even on the internet when sending email!
  11. Etiquette doesn't mean you are better than everyone else-quite the opposite. It means you treat other people and their feelings with dignity.