Common Sense Advice- Ask! Don't Assume!

-Don't assume that he/she wants you to address him/her by the first name.

Always ask!

Over and over again, I cringe in the business world because my request to be addressed by my last name is overlooked by those who feel that they have the right to use my first name because they know me. Many cultural groups prefer to use their surname (last name) when being addressed. Learn to respect that.

2. Don't assume that a woman is pregnant

-The woman might have just had a baby and her stomach has not gone down yet.

I made that mistake and the woman's child was already 18 months old. I actually asked the woman how many months she was. I felt really bad afterwards. It was a real insult to the lady involved.

Find a way to find out without insulting the lady or -- . In this case, you might have to just mind your own business.

3. Don't assume that someone is single just because he/she is not wearing a wedding band

-Some religious sects do not wear jewelry.

For many years, I did not wear one.

Also, some people prefer not to wear a ring i.e. gained weight over the years, etc.

Don't assume, always ask!

4. Don't assume that an older woman with a young child is the grandmother

-Many women, in today's society, are having children at an older age.

It is more complimentary if you tell her that her son or daughter is cute and allow her to giggle and say, "Oh no, this is my grandchild." The first is an insult and the second is a very big compliment. In the second case, she feels as if you thought that she was really young and still in her child bearing years.

Be kind and ask before you assume.

5. Don't keep looking at your watch while being interviewed

-That is a sign of boredom......

You will make the interviewer feel as if you really do not want the job.

Relax and you will have a better chance of getting the job.

6. When coughing, yawning or sneezing in public, cover up

-It annoys other people when you spread your germs, even if they do not say it out loud.

- Also, why do you have to make loud noises while yawning?

Be polite to your neighbors and they will be polite to you.

7. Your cell phone usage in public is a privilege, not a right

- Keep your personal business to yourself. The rest of the public does not need to know about your bills or your sex life.

- A good rule to remember is that when you are going into a quiet building such as a bank, your cell phone should be turned off.

- The rest of us do not need to hear a soap opera like '‹Å"As the World Turns' while we are trying to bank.

8. Don't Use foul language in stores when others are trying to shop!

- Everyone does not use foul language.

- Be respectful to other people and stop swearing loudly around people who don't want to hear you talk as if you just came off of a pirate ship.

- I can't tell you how many times I have had to make comments to youth and adults alike who don't care that others in public places don't want to hear them swearing.

- Have some respect and shut your mouth. I and all the others from polite society want to have a pleasant day shopping.

9. Women-Wear more clothing when not on the beach

-No one wants to see what should only be seen on a beach or in a bedroom.

A very popular show did a survey of men looking at women and found that most men want to discover what is not revealed. They do not want to see too much.

The bottom line is that there is a place and time for everything. Find out what is appropriate for everyday wear and go shopping for some less revealing clothes.

-This advice might not be popular, but this advice will save you a lot of heartache.

If you are not sure if the clothing is appropriate, ask, don't assume.

10. Don't burp out loud in a quiet setting

-No one wants to hear a loud sound like that while he/she is eating.

Don't ruin a lovely meal for someone else because of your rudeness.

Although it is a custom in some countries, wait until you are visiting a country that warrants that practice before doing it.

11. One last thing!

If you must relieve your bowels of some gaseous substance, find a bathroom or go outdoors. The rest of us prefer a perfumed aroma coming across our nostrils.

Don't assume that we want to smell that and this time don't ask!

The bottom line is that polite society dictates polite behavior. We need to regain this sense of caring that we are really in public and not at home in front of our televisions. Also, think before you speak. It will save a lot of embarrassment for you and the people that have to listen to you.