Many people are curious about the rules of savoir-vivre, the art of behaving appropriately on every occasion. For years, it has been established that men should open doors for women, and women should enter rooms first, before men. But does this apply to every situation? It turns out, there are exceptions.
Should a man let a woman go first? The expert pointed out a specific exception
Dr. Irena Kamińska-Radomska, a public speaking and etiquette expert, recently used social media to highlight that a woman doesn’t always have priority over a man. "It’s not true that a woman always goes first. When walking down the stairs, the man should go first, and when going up the stairs, it should be the other way around," she explained in an Instagram video.
But why is that? Kamińska-Radomska provided a thorough explanation in the caption accompanying the video
It’s about providing support. Most commonly, because women may be wearing high heels, which can make walking difficult. It could also be that a woman is pregnant, in which case a man’s help becomes even more crucial. If she were to stumble, following this rule would mean she could count on the gentleman's support.
What are the basic rules of savoir-vivre? These are important to remember, especially in company. To maintain a positive impression in social settings, it’s important to follow the rules of etiquette, as they show that we know how to behave. What should you pay particular attention to?
- At the table: Don’t cross your legs, sit up straight, and rest your back against the chair. Don’t rest your elbows on the table, eat greedily, or rush, and don’t leave the table during the meal. If you’re drinking alcohol, always do so in moderation.
- Dress code: Dress neatly, cleanly, and appropriately for the occasion and time of day.
- Official gatherings: Invitations should be sent at least two weeks in advance. The host greets the guests and shows them where to leave their coats. Don’t criticize the decor or organization of the event. Avoid kissing women’s hands, as it might be seen as an invasion of personal space. In restaurants, the person who invites pays, regardless of gender.
