Renowned Beverly Hills Manners Expert Lisa Gaché Shares 7 Ways Minding Your Manners Makes A Positive Difference

RENOWNED BEVERLY HILLS MANNERS EXPERT LISA GACHE' SHARES 7 WAYS MINDING YOUR MANNERS MAKES A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE

By: LISA GACHÉ

Free at last, but not so fast! After being cooped up for what felt like forever, we could not wait to start socializing again. Then, just as soon as we started settling into the groove, the numbers sky-rocketed and we were told to rein it back in. There's no doubt, we're experiencing an impossibly confusing, anxiety-ridden, stress-inducing time in our history, but we don't have to let it get the best of us.  Let’s not succumb to a potentially short fuse and instead borrow a page from the City of Beverly Hills’ summer slogan reminding us that, “Being Kind is Always in Season.” Wouldn’t it be nice if we all adopted this motto and acted with grace throughout our communities, our cities, and our world-at-large? While the future may be uncertain, we will persevere if we remember our manners - those wonderful social cues that keep us connected and our relationships in good stead.  Whether at home or out and about, here are seven surefire ways minding your manners makes a positive difference during Corona and beyond. 

Get out of bed, then make it!  Committing to a daily routine is crucial to a productive day. Set the alarm clock no later than nine in the morning and make it your mission to get out of bed.  Fluff the pillows, straighten the sheets, and tuck the covers in tight so they won’t tempt you to sink back in until it’s well past nine at night. Tidying up your space is a small accomplishment that not only enhances your physical surroundings, but also frees your mind to focus on more exciting endeavors.

Socially distance while sticking together.  Six feet apart may be the new mantra, but it is not meant to alienate.  We are social beings and we thrive when we come together. To combat loneliness, stay in touch with people via phone or video. Or, send a check-in text that says, 'thinking of you’ as a quick way to tell those who feel particularly isolated that you haven’t forgotten about them.  If you like to plan, schedule a weekly ZOOM session or socially distant meal so both friends and family have something to look forward to.

Health and hygiene go hand-in-hand.  The pandemic has raised our collective awareness and presented a new opportunity to put fellow citizens first. Demonstrate personal responsibility and be a role model for your community by adhering to these socially accepted norms.  Wash hands religiously and wear a mask when venturing outside the home.  This will automatically reduce friction and make public interactions a much more pleasant experience for everyone.

Look marvelous on ZOOM.  This video conferencing tool has provided us with a new way of being during the pandemic. We're using it for everything from business calls to study halls, and happy hours with friends. Since the purpose of video is to see people, let’s hit the call button with confidence. Create an interesting background, give yourself the gift of good lighting and put on an actual outfit (at least from the waist up!). When you see yourself on camera, you’ll be thrilled you put in the extra effort.

Fine dine with or without the fine china. Turn dinnertime into an special occasion to practice fine dining skills (even if there’s no fine china.)  Create atmosphere. Put a few flowers in a vase. Set the table with cloth napkins and light candles. Slow down and savor your meal. Use both a fork and a knife to cut and eat your food. Chew slowly, you’re in no rush. Place your napkin on the left side of the plate once everyone has finished and politely excuse yourself at the end of the meal.

Refrain from the blame game. Everyone has a right to their opinion, but please don’t shout it from the rooftops especially during these highly sensitive times. If the President pushed your last button or the stock market fluctuation has you feeling frustrated, take a deep breath and count to ten before spewing your views into the ether.  Group texts are not a free-for-all to ram your politics down someone else's throat. Keep the funny memes coming and let’s make a pact to stay on everyone's good side. 

Write letters to loved ones.  Whether they live over the hill or across the country, if you have older relatives especially distant ones, they need our attention more than ever.  Putting pen to paper and taking the time to send a handmade, handwritten note shows how much you care and makes the recipient feel extra warm and fuzzy.  These keepsakes are often put in a drawer and treasured forever.

Founder and CEO of Beverly Hills Manners, Lisa Gaché is a nationally recognized etiquette coach and lifestyle expert. She provides practical modern day solutions and helps clients use the power of social intelligence to enhance their lives, both personally and professionally.

Lisa Gaché

Featured on national television (The Today Show, Access Hollywood, Dr. Phil) and in print media (USA Today, New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, The Telegraph), Ms. Gaché received her certification as a Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant from The Protocol School of Washington along with a mark of distinction from The English Manner in London.

Lisa’s book, Beverly Hills Manners: Golden Rules from the World’s Most Glamorous Zip Code, published November 2014, is the go-to-guide for parents and Saudi princesses, NFL coaches and Oscar nominees. She is currently working on big vision to bring these crucial life tools and social change to the world. For further information, please contact www.beverlyhillsmanners.com.