The Unfading Values
by Victoria Shamis
In our swiftly progressing world, where the pace of people’s lives is rapidly accelerating and the diversity of cultures is becoming more and more noticeable, etiquette remains the everlasting key to unlocking the door to success in the dance of society. Demonstrating good manners and a respectful attitude towards others have always served, and still serve, as a bridge leading to prosperity in various facets of life, fostering mutual understanding.
Allow me to take you along the elegant corridor of history in order to understand how social decorum was previously perceived. It is no secret that, in the opulent tapestry of 19th- century French and English households, a special attention was given to savoir-vivre and savoir- faire, serving as lenses through which etiquette was and is still viewed. These concepts enrich the understanding of the nuances of etiquette in various areas of life, including not only the art of living gracefully, but also the practical skills necessary to navigate with ease in various life circumstances.
In days gone by, the older generations passed on to the younger ones not only the general rules of politeness but also instilled proficiency in the use of cutlery, guidelines for selecting suitable clothing for various events, and the art of communicating with individuals of diverse ages and statuses. It was believed that only an educated and well-mannered person is capable of achieving success in both family and work. Unfortunately, this meticulous approach to education has waned over time. Modern families do not pay as much attention to issues of etiquette, preferring a more informal and liberal approach to raising children.
Beyond a shadow of a doubt, it is worth recognizing that the way a person sits at a table and handles cutlery has indeed ceased to be of central value in their personal and professional reputation. Nevertheless, etiquette’s relevance has gracefully pirouetted into new arenas. One noteworthy example is etiquette in a virtual environment. Children waltz into social networks at an early age; simultaneously, they should learn that respect for other people’s privacy and correct communication in the online environment are crucial aspects of a healthy society. Moreover, teaching children about writing etiquette, which includes correctly formatting emails and understanding responsibility for digital communication, is also an essential part of the online environment. On top of that, children will grow up and begin their career paths faster than we might think, and therefore it is necessary to teach teenagers about social graces in the business world, since proper business communication can quickly advance a person up the career ladder. Given that our lives are built on constant interactions with others, the foundation of success lies in adeptly engaging with individuals. In essence, etiquette is a dynamic concept and changes in it come along with other changes in society.
In addition to its evolving importance in virtual spaces and professional realms mentioned above, social decorum extends its influence to other domains such as art, decor, jewelry, interior design, and fashion. Even though these areas are frequently overlooked in discussions on etiquette, they wield significant influence in shaping our interactions and perceptions. Art etiquette, for instance, is directly related to showing respect for artistic expression, while manners in decor and interior design contribute to the creation of harmonious spaces. In the realms of fashion and jewelry, the importance lies not only in adhering to personal preferences but also in honoring culture through the selection of appropriate accessories and clothing items. In the forthcoming articles of this column, we will delve into the nuanced importance of these aspects, shedding light on their integral role in everyone’s life.
Maintaining decorum and knowing the correct manners extend beyond observing ancient traditions. Nowadays, it is more about ensuring harmony in interpersonal relationships. This is a kind of investment in a successful future, where the ability to listen, speak and respect others play a significant role in shaping an individual’s reputation. Besides, it is essential to remember that etiquette is, first and foremost, an internal state of gratitude and harmony with the outside world. This column will take you on a genuine journey through the kaleidoscope of etiquette and serve as your palette of wisdom, providing vibrant guidance for navigating the tangled web of modern social interactions. Let us live this life as we would dance a magical waltz— full of joy, harmony, and respect for the world!