Submissive Chat Night: 12/1/09 – Speaking Submissively

It’s time for another Submissive Chat Night!

When: Dec 1st at 8pm CST. It is expected to last about 1 1/2 hours.

Topic: Graceful Words: Speaking Submissively

Optional Pre-reading:

Graceful Speech

Etiquette of Speech

The Art of Conversation

Some chat night rules, up for discussion.

1. I would like to be able to post the edited chat log for the discussion on this website and will put it up for a vote every chat night. Vote will decide for that night only.
2. Dominant bashing will not be allowed. Gossip is not welcome. Using people’s full names, or those of people not in the chat will be subject to banning for the duration of the discussion. Please don’t make me use my powers. I’d like to keep this comfortable for everyone; even those not present.

How to get to the chat room

The chat room is attached to this site under the Resources link at the top, or you can click this link here.  It will ask for your nickname and then automatically connect you to the chat room. It is open all the time, so if you want to meet some people, hang out in there. I try to be there when I’m at my computer too.

If you use an IRC desktop client you can connect to the server directly. Here is the information you need to find the room:

Server: irc.mibbit.cm
Port: 6667
Channel: #submissive-guide

Questions? Let me know. Otherwise I hope to see a lot of you there on Tuesday!

Submissive Chat Night 11/3/09: Views On Protocol

It’s time for another chat night here at Submissive Guide. This week’s topic will be one I am very interested in. As always, the chat is expected to last about 1 1/2 hours and is open to everyone.

When: 11/03/09 at 8:00pm Central Time

Where: Chat room located on the website

Topic: Different Views on Protocl

I will be asking you to give me permission to save a transcript of the chat session and post it on the website for others to share in the conversation. Dominants are welcome to attend. See everyone then!

Optional Pre-reading

• Protocol
• Protocol, Etiquette and Ritual
• Basic BDSM Protocol – pdf
• Why I Don’t Give a Hoot about Protocol and Why It’s Important to Know Anyhow
• Some Notes on Scene Etiquette and Leather Protocol

When Protocol Becomes Boring

Protocol. It can be a scary word if you are new to submission. In a relationship, it is likely that you will have some protocol established to control your behavior. So, what is protocol? Simply defined, protocol is the set of special rules that you follow for defined situations that remind you of your place in the relationship. Every relationship is different and will have a different level of protocol. One of my first protocol rules was to call my Dominant ‘Master’ when in private and lifestyle event situations. It was a simple change in my normal behavior and a reminder of my place in the relationship.

As the protocols developed I was so excited to finally be doing what I had dreamed about and read in so many BDSM fiction books. I was living with rules and protocol and my mindset thrived. I felt so good about my place in the relationship and the happiness that Master displayed at my success. The pleasure I felt wasn’t just sexual it was like a part of my soul was finally being satisfied.

It didn’t last. After a few months I started to feel less happy about my protocol. It felt less like bliss and more like a chore. I had lost the attachment to WHY the protocol was in place to begin with; the reminder of my place in the relationship. The honeymoon period was over. Things got really rocky in our relationship because the effort involved in doing the protocol got more and more difficult for me, and the stress he experienced was just as bad.

What happened?

I lost focus for why the rules and protocols existed in the first place. I stopped feeling my submission when I obeyed and began rebelling with what I had gotten so used to doing for joy. I started looking to those fiction stories I’ve read for some sort of answer to my loss in vision. Why couldn’t I make the fantasy my reality? I was very stuck with that thought.

So what did I do?

Talk about it: I first approached my Dominant and explained to him how I was feeling and expressed that I didn’t like what had happened to me and us. We have a very open communication stream and it didn’t come as a surprise to him that this conversation was occurring. We talked about how long I had been feeling off task and also some ideas of what I could do to get back on track. It wasn’t an easy conversation as the fault, which is hard for me to take, was all mine.

The fantasy was just that; fantasy. I had to find my own reality in the protocols. I had to seek the happiness I once had and hang on to it. I started reviewing my rules on a daily basis. I developed a meditation routine to do to keep my submission blossoming. I learned how to self-correct my behavior before it became noticeable.

Most importantly, I made it a priority to create my own reality; one that would work better than trying to live a fantasy. It’s a constant work in progress and I still have my bad and good days. I know it will get better. One day I will be living as I’ve dreamed and the peace that I strive for everyday will find me.

photo by lepiaf.geo

Add Your Reading List to Your Training Resume

Since the beginning of Submissive Guide I have been writing essays to help you build your service/submissive/slave resume. This is the living document of your experience and training on different tasks and a variety of relationships. If you are interested in reading the previous posts about the Training Resume I suggest you start at the topic index.

Today we are going to compile a list of the books you have read during your service that are a part of your growth and learning. The importance of this list is not only to show a potential Dominant that you are well read, but that you have a personal desire to work on improving yourself, learning a wide range of viewpoints and opinions and learn about BDSM activities of all sorts.

Gather Your Books

Pull together all the books you’ve read on BDSM, specific service items and other self help resources that you have read completely. These books can be basic relationship self help, etiquette, green cleaning and simple living, How-to books, and so much more. Let your mind explore your entire library and figure out how that could apply to a BDSM service relationship. You might be surprised.

Magazines and Newspapers

Although a bit more rare or pricey, you can find excellent magazines and even newspaper articles that might help you with building a reference library for your service experience and development as a person. Perhaps you have a subscription to a gardening magazine, home repair or fine dining journal. These things can be wonderful resources for your service life. Be creative and look for learning opportunities everywhere you go.

Online Sources

Don’t forget online newsletters and blogs that you are subscribed to! Even SubmissiveGuide.com can be a great resource to list on your reading list if you read it regularly and learn from it. Make note of the posts or articles that you enjoyed the most and the URL if there is one.

General Essay websites are great too, but make sure you keep a list of articles that you have read on each one so that it isn’t assumed that you have read the entire site.

How to Make the List

For books, make a list of the titles, authors, publication dates and a synopsis of the book. Online resources need to have the name of the site, the URL, the date you last accessed it and the site owner with a way to contact them if you can find one. You can also spend time writing personal reviews of the book or essay with what you took from it and made your own.

For example, I just read SlaveCraft and reviewed it on this blog. I can add that book to my service resume in the Reading List area. My entry would look something like this:

SlaveCraft: Roadmaps for Erotic Servitude, principles, skills and tools by a grateful slave with Guy Baldwin, M.S.

Daedalus Publishing Company (April 2002)

The author writes for the submissive or slave who may already have experience and thus understand the skills and tools that will help deepen their surrender. His four principles that he describes in detail are Identity, Obedience, Transparency and Humility. Each one is artfully discussed so that while you may be walking in his world of surrender you can apply them to your own service quite easily.

Making this list now will help you in the future too when you try to remember where you read that fantastic book or essay that you’d like to refer to, or share with a friend. The importance of a list like this can help you in more ways that just your resume.

What else would you list on your reading list? Would it be beneficial to list books and articles that you want to read in the future or have an interest in?

Know Your Manners when Visiting D/s Friends

Accepting an invitation to visit friends that are into BDSM or the lifestyle can lead to a wonderful experience and the development of close friends. That is if you keep yourself aware of house rules and relationship dynamics. 

Generally speaking, a couple of D/s friends are not going to drop their dynamic around you since they know you are into BDSM as well. This could lead to some awkward pauses or mis-steps on your part if you aren’t used to hanging out with them.  Here are some things to keep in mind.

• Ask before showing up if you need to give them a head’s up you are on your way. Some people are more comfortable without clothing on and this would give them time to dress.
• If you would like to meet in a vanilla atmosphere, let your friends know. They will certainly shift gears if it will make your more comfortable. If you like the protocol displays and are comfortable with it, let them know that also.
• Be on your best behavior until you learn how the house is run. Just like at your family’s place; you could have to take your shoes off when entering the house, offer to help with the meal or drinks if they are being served and don’t snoop around rooms that you don’t have permission to be in. 
• Don’t correct the submissive’s behavior, word choice or mention thier attitude. That is not your job. Doing this could not only embarass the submissive, but anger the Dominant. 
• Do not assume that play will happen. D/s couples and friends don’t play every time they get together. If play was not mentioned on the invite, expect that it will not happen. 

Yes these can seem common sense, and I’m so glad you would think so. Not everyone has this information at hand and that’s why this post exists. What other tips do you have for someone that may have never been invited to a D/s household?

Etiquette at Play Parties

Each social situation we expose ourselves to has it’s own set of rules and behaviors. This is also true of BDSM events, perhaps even moreso. A play party will have different rules at each location you may attend one. There will be established rules as well as house/location rules. There are also unspoken rules that many relationships have in place. Let’s cover some of each category.

Established Rules

1. Have a safeword or use the party safeword. If your word is different than the one set up for the party, let the Dungeon Monitors know before you play so that they can monitor for your chosen word.
2. If extreme or edge play is planned, speak to the Dungeon Monitor to see if it is allowed to happen and so that they can be prepared.
3. What goes on here, stays here. This one is a bit self explanatory but many new players violate this rule the first time out. You are free to talk about what happened to you, but not who with or anything else in specifics. Most groups will say you can describe what you saw in generalities (ie. “I saw this awesome fireplay scene last night!”) but better to be safe than sorry. Even identifying people who were there can be a no-no.
4. No photography. This this can be restricted to cameras only or include cell phones. For discretion sake, just leave your cell phone with your possessions.
5. Read the posted rules for any specific rules to that play party. They are there for your protection and safety.

House Rules

If a party is held at someone’s house, and a lot of times it is there are also house rules to follow. Examples include:

1. No nudity except in designated play areas.
2. No play except in designated areas.
3. Don’t open doors, these rooms are off limits.
4. Smoking allowed in these areas.
5. Alcohol rules may fluctuate depending on the type of party.
6. Sexual play may fluctuate depending on the type of party.

Unspoken Rules

These rules can be hard to know, and manytimes people learn these after breaking them, especially if you are new. Take head to these unspoken rules.

1. Do not touch. Anything. Persons, toys or other people’s equipment is theirs. Submissives may not be allowed to interact with others without the Dominant’s permission. Don’t assume that a submissive is ignoring you, they may not be allowed to speak. If in doubt, talk to the Dominant.
2. Play is concensual and optional. You do not have to play at a party, but if you do make sure that you both agree on what you want done.
3. Uncollared submissives are not required to call all Dominants Sir/Ma’am. This goes for all over, but especially where group protocol feels heavier. You are a respectable invidual first, submissive second. I believe that respect and titles are earned. (This was until I was instructed to call all Dominant’s Sir/Ma’am by my Master.)

What other rules should I include here? Any advice you would give novices as to their first play party?

Altering Positions [Day 13 - 2WBSP]

Reading the past posts on the Submissive positions project may bring some of you to the realization that you can’t perform these poses for health or body size reasons. This is to be expected. I can’t kneel back on my heels at all. So what is a good submissive to do? You alter the positions so that they still look wonderful but are physically possible for you.

Today I’d like us to brainstorm ideas for how someone can alter the positions and still hold grace and etiquette at a high standard. It is possible to not follow the ‘Gorean’ style positions that everyone seems to favor and still look good. For the brainstorming, you will need creative time alone and a desire to work on the positions you want to incorporate but feel incapable of doing.

For example, I’m a large woman and can’t kneel back on my heels at all. To get around this I can put a small pillow behind my knees. Other alternatives are stools, sitting cross-legged kneeling for only short periods or not kneeling at all.

Start Brainstorming!

Let’s share what alterations you have for your positions!  I need your help to provide a resource to others, please chime in below with ideas that can help others find new and comfortable ways to do the positions if a disability restricts you!

Possible disabilities to come up with alternative positions for:

• wheelchair bound
• missing a limb
• carpal tunnel
• broken leg or arm
• obesity
• osteoperosis
• diabetes
• painful joints or arthritis
• others?…

photo credit panshipanshi

Two Weeks to Better Submissive Positions

Serving Food and Drink [Day 7 - 2WBSP]

Welcome to another day of learning and enhancing submissive positions. Today we are going to cover food service etiquette. Some of this may be familiar to you. If this is the case, try to enhance it and make it more personal and unique to your relationship.

If you’ve ever been to a more formal restaurant with white table clothes and places already set before you sit down, you may have experienced a more organized service of food and drink. Today I have a collection of tips, tricks and resources for serving a full meal to your Dominant with style and grace.

I know that there is a correct side to place food and then the opposite to remove dirty dishes, however I don’t know which it is, could someone fill me in? There is a proper way to hold the plate when serving and so forth I want to know those tips too! Please share them in the comments.

I’m still learning this form of service so I will use a lot of other resources to talk about this, but it is important even if you are serving just your Dominant and no one else. Here are some beginning resources for a more formal service.

• Setting the Table
• Rules for Serving
• Food and Beverage Service Manual
• Service at Its Best—Waiter/Waitress Training: Guide to Becoming a Successful Serverby Ed Sanders, Paul C. Paz and Ron Wilkinson
• Robert’s Guide for Butlers and Household Staff
• Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management (Oxford World’s Classics)
• Butlers & Household Managers: 21st Century Professionals

There are also ways to have a D/s centered formal dinner. These are completely different no matter where you go, but they always hold some form of protocol, rules and structure for the evening. Here is a link to the essay on The Iron Gate about a formal D/s dinner: Masters Banquet – A formal D/s Feast.

I’m always looking for more tips and resources, please share yours with me!

photo post qousqous

Review: Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns

If you’ve been around the BDSM and D/s scene at all there is one of many books that always comes up in conversation as a good book to read when you are new to the whole lifestyle. This book is Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns: The Romance and Sexual Sorcery of Sadomasochism by Philip Miller and Molly Devon. It comes as recommended reading for anyone curious about BDSM and want a primer for what SM is all about. This was the first book I purchased when I as first learning and is still the go to guide for helping me explain to novices certain aspects of safety, and loving play that I may not have the right words for.

This book is written in the male Dominant / female submissive interactions, but it’s easily translatable into valuable advice for any relationship configuration.  “Screw the Roses enthusiastically covers all the basics and even some of the not-so-basics–bondage, negotiation, sex, endorphins, dominance and submission, toys, safety, S/M community, and beyond.” –Cheryl Trooskin

The first few chapters are dedicated to introducing the basics, safety and recognizing abuse in BDSM relationships. The information is provided in  a clear and concise manner that even the most novice of users can understand and get on board with. The book ascribes to Safe, Sane and Conensual form of safety which I also recommend for new explorers into BDSM. It’s a great help for further into the book that these terms are defined so that understanding comes easier.

Once the basics are down the Philip and Molly take you into relationships. How to find a partner, exploring the roles and basic etiquette are the bulk of these chapters. I love that etiquette is covered as so many seem to forget their manners once they enter into a kinky relationship. Lewd is rude, no matter the situation. You can pick up information on negotiation and setting limits. There is also an interesting chart for the different roles.

The bulk of the book is dedicated to teaching safe basic technique. You can pick up information on bondage and other forms of play with detailed explanations. There is also a few chapters on flogging and impact play for those looking to dive right into the fun stuff. This area is not only good for the novice, but an experienced player could pick up a few tips and tricks. This is definitely a book that should be in every BDSM library.

Near the end the authors cover endorphins and subpace as well as the psychological effects of play.Mindfucks, forced exhibitionism, verbal abuse, and public play are not for everyone and play that involves a person’s mind and emotions can be dangerous and should be explored slowly and consensually.

No primer would be complete without a glimpse into the dungeon equipment and tools that are used during a kinky encounter. There is also an appendix to stores, support groups and communities that can help the newcomer step out into the world. The photos are a nice touch and help to display what Philip and Molly are talking about throughout the book.  It has an excellent table of contents to find things quickly and a useful appendix for things to help anyone get started.

All in all, there is no wonder why so many people recommend this book as one of the first books for someone just starting out in BDSM. It has everything you could wish for in a complete overview of BDSM book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 277 pages
• Publisher: Mystic Rose Books; 1st ed edition (July 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964596008
• luna’s Rating: 9/10

Buy Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns: The Romance and Sexual Sorcery of Sadomasochism

Rituals that Work from Those that Practice Them

The most frequent question I get asked is what is about rituals; what are they, how do I start one, are they hard, do they help with your submission, etc. They really aren’t that difficult once you understand what they are. There’s no sacred rites or incantations or anything, unless that is what you want. A ritual is a formal practiced set of rules that is done on a regular basis.

Take for example when your Dominant arrives home from work. He rings the doorbell two times and then waits 30 seconds before unlocking and opening the door. The reason for this is for you to stop what you are doing and kneel, waiting for him to enter.  This is a ritual. It’s a way to leave the work at the door and resume your submissive mindset.

You can also have meditation rituals. A slave’s rosary is a good example of a meditation ritual.

There are all sorts of D/s couples that have rituals and talk about them online. Here’s a current list of the ones I could find. If you have any rituals you’d like added to this list, let me know with a link where you’ve talked about it and I’ll add it. Thanks!

Daily Rituals

• Lord Koi and lily
• Sartan and jenni
• Dragon’s beloved
• Mistress Steele
• Various entering and leaving rituals
• Staging Sacredness

Food Rituals

• Chinese Tea Ceremony
• Food Etiquette
• Various food rituals

Ceremonies are specialized rituals. They are generally done only during very special moments.

Collaring

• Gorean collaring ceremony example
• Sample Collaring Ceremony

photo credit hall.chris25

Books That Might Interest You

Protocols: Handbook for the Female Slave

Creating a Personal Protocol

Protocol Handbook for the Leather Slave

Manual Creation: Defining the Structure of an M/s Household

Bookshelf

A good book can help you learn more about yourself and your submission or enhance a skill you have always wanted to learn. Here is a growing list of books to help you on the way. Do you have a suggestion for a book listed here? Please email me at subguide@gmail.com. Thank you.

View Submissive Guide Amazon Store for more selections

Beginning BDSM

• Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns: The Romance and Sexual Sorcery of Sadomasochism by Phillip Miller – Review
• SM 101: A Realistic Introduction by Jay Wiseman
• BDSM Primer by Ralph White
• Different Loving: The World of Sexual Dominance and Submission by Gloria Brahme – Review
• Partners in Power: Living in Kinky Relationships by Jack Rinella
• When Someone You Love Is Kinky by Dossie Easton and Catherine A. Lizst

Dominance

• The Art Of Sensual Female Dominance: A Guide for Women by Claudia Varrin
• The Loving Dominant by John and Libby Warren
• The Sexually Dominant Woman: A Workbook for Nervous Beginners by Lady Green
• The New Topping Book by Dossie Easton and Janet W. Hardy
• The Master’s Manual: A Handbook of Erotic Dominance by Jack Rinella

Submission

• Erotic Surrender: The Sensual Joys of Female Submission by Claudia Varrin
• The Compleat Slave: Creating And Living An Erotic Dominant/submissive Lifestyle by Jack Rinella
• Erotic Slavehood: A Miss Abernathy Omnibus by Christina Abernathy
• Becoming a Slave by Jack Rinella
• SlaveCraft: Roadmaps for Erotic Servitude–Principles, Skills and Tools by Guy Baldwin - Review
• The New Bottoming Book by Dossie Easton and Janet W Hardy – Review
• The Submissive Activity Book: Building Blocks To Better Service by Shannon Reilly

Ritual and Protocol

• Protocols: Handbook for the female slave by Robert J. Rubel
• Creating A Personal Protocol by Shannon Reilly
• The Bride Wore Black Leather…And He Looked Fabulous!: An Etiquette Guide for the Rest of Us by Drew Campbell
• Protocol Handbook for the Leather Slave: Theory and Practice by Robert J. Rubel
• Manual Creation: Defining the Structure of an M/s Household by Machele Kindle and Master Fire

Master/slave

• Master/slave Relations: Handbook of Theory and Practice (M/s Studies Books) by Robert Rubel
• Master/slave Relations: Solutions 401: Graduate Studies in Meeting Challenges in your Relationship (M/s Series) by Robert Rubel

Leather Culture and History

• Chainmale: 3SM–A Unique View of Leather Culture by Don Bastian

SM and Play

• Consensual Sadomasochism : How to Talk About It and How to Do It Safely by William A. Henkin and Sybil Holiday
• Bound to Be Free: The Sm Experience by Charles Moser
• The Compleat Spanker by Lady Green
• Consensual Spanking by Jules Markham
• Flogging by Joseph Bean
• Flogging: The Basics and Beyond (SMTech Educational) by Joseph Bean
• Learning the Ropes: A Basic Guide to Safe and Fun S/m Lovemaking by Race Bannon
• Jay Wiseman’s Erotic Bondage Handbook by Jay Wiseman
• Two Knotty Boys Showing You The Ropes: A Step-by-Step, Illustrated Guide for Tying Sensual and Decorative Rope Bondage by Two Knotty Boys
• Two Knotty Boys Back on the Ropes by Two Knotty Boys

Sex and Sexuality

• American Sex Machines: The Hidden History of Sex at the U.S. Patent Office by Hoag Levins
• Anal Pleasure & Health: A Guide for Men and Women by Jack Morin
• Come Hither: A Commonsense Guide To Kinky Sex by Gloria Brahme
• The Guide to Getting It On, 6th Edition by Psy.D Paul Joannides

Spirituality

• Dark Moon Rising: Pagan BDSM and the Ordeal Path by Raven Kaldera

Crafts and DIY

• Bondage on a Budget by Alison Tyler and Dante Davidson

Basic Manners and Etiquette

Do you think you have a good grasp of good manners and etiquette? We all know someone as an adult that has horrible manners and no etiquette. Learning basic manners is usually done as soon as children can understand you. The ones most pressed upon them are ’sharing and taking turns’, ‘no staring’, and ‘please and thank you’. Unfortunately adults can forget these basic social rules.

The following is a short list of manners and rules that help guide our daily living so that we are more appropriate in social settings. Review them and see if there are any you don’t know. Feel free to volunteer others in the comments!

Ten Basic Manners

1. Waiting your turn and not interrupting other people when they are speaking.
2. No name calling. Even if it’s in “fun”, name calling hurts.
3. Always greet someone when they come over to your house. Depending on your level of formality, you can shake hands with adults who come over, but it’s not necessary to shake hands with children. But, you should always say, “hello” or “hi” when someone visits so that the guest feels welcome.
4. Say, “Please” and “Thank you” often. It shows respect and appreciation. In addition, if you are thanked, then say “You’re welcome”.
5. Clean up after yourself. Whether at home or at a friend’s house, always pick up after yourself.
6. Good sportsmanship. After playing a game (sports, cards, board game) , no matter the outcome, be pleasant. Be a good sport.
7. Take compliments courteously. If someone praises you, be gracious and say, “thank you”, and avoid putting yourself down or pointing out flaws.
8. Opening doors for others. When going into buildings, allow elders to go first and open the door for them. When preceding others into a building, don’t let the door slam in the face of those behind, but hold the door until the person behind can grab it. If someone holds the door for you then remember to say “thank you”.
9. Exiting/Entering etiquette. Elevators: allow those in the elevator to exit first before entering the elevator. Same with buildings or rooms – if someone is exiting the building or room through the same door you are entering, let them exit first.
10. Respect differences. If people look or act differently than you do, don’t point it out.
    

Table Manners

1. Eat with a fork unless the food is meant to be eaten with fingers. Only babies eat with fingers.
2. Don’t stuff your mouth full of food, it looks gross, and they could choke.
3. Chew with your mouth closed. No one wants to be grossed out seeing food being chewed up or hearing it being chomped on. This includes no talking with your mouth full.
4. Don’t make any rude comments about any food being served. It will hurt someone’s feelings.
   
5. Always say thank you when served something. Shows appreciation.
6. If the meal is not buffet style, then wait until everyone is served before eating. It shows consideration.
   
7. Eat slowly, don’t gobble up the food. Someone took a long time to prepare the food, enjoy it slowly. Slowly means to wait about 5 seconds after swallowing before getting another forkful.
8. When eating rolls, break off a piece of bread before buttering. Eating a whole piece of bread looks tacky.
9. Don’t reach over someone’s plate for something, ask for the item to be passed to you. Shows consideration.
   
10. Do not pick anything out of your teeth, it’s gross. If it bothers you that bad, excuse yourself and go to the restroom to pick.
11. Always use a napkin to dab your mouth, which should be on your lap when not in use. Remember, dab your mouth only. Do not wipe your face or blow your nose with a napkin, both are gross. Excuse yourself from the table and go the restroom to do those things.
12. When eating at someone’s home or a guest of someone at a restaurant, always thank the host and tell them how delicious it was, even if it wasn’t. Again, someone took time, energy, and expense to prepare the food, show your appreciation.

Other Basic Etiquette Rules

1. Turn off cell phone completely during a meeting, social function or on public transportation.
2. Bring a gift for the hostess — preferably something that doesn’t require her to drop everything she is doing.
3. Keep to the right on sidewalks and stairs.
4. Keep food or drink, folders and briefcases in your left hand; your right hand should be free for handshakes.

Resources Online for Etiquette and Manners

The Pink Teapot

Miss Manners Column Index

A to Z Guide to Manners and Etiquette

The Emily Post Institute

Do you have any manners or etiquette to add? Please share them in the comments!

photo credit TW Collins