10 Tips for THE HUSBAND: Etiquette in Public

1. In an Elevator:

• Women enter first.
• Look straight ahead
• No phone calls
• No talking to others unless spoken to, even if then… Keep it brief

2. Flying:

• Middle arms rests belong to the middle seat.
• Talking: minimal, but be courteous
• Two drinks minimum, good for the nerves.

3. Public Transit:

• Don’t block the door
• If you want to hold the pole, you probably already carry sanitizer. Use It.
• Ladies always sit before you.
• Talking: Never with strangers; quietly with acquaintances.

4. Walking:

• Be swift, no weaving.
• No giant umbrellas.
• No groups of two or more across.
• By all means use your smart phone , just don’t expect people to move out of the way for you.

5. Shopping with a Women:

• Find the men’s bench. There is always a men’s bench.
• Smile and be supportive.
• This is when you use your PDA, but only for e-mail. Keep calls to a minimum.

6. Waiting for a Table:

• First decide if it’s worth it.
• Staying? Okay. Then relax. Have a drink.
• Unless your alone, PDA stays in your pocket.
• Feel free to politely ask the host how long it’s looking if you’ve been waiting longer than expected, but don’t badger the host every 2.8 minutes.
• If your date is the one doing the badgering…. Get her a drink or a bread basket while waiting.

7. How to Order a Drink:

• Get as close to the bar as possible in a position where you can make eye contact.
• Then wait patiently, card or cash in hand.
• No waving or shouting.
• Don’t cut in front of anyone.

8. Sending Back an Order:

• Is it clearly over or under cooked? Then yes.
• Did the waiter mishear? Then yes.
• You just don’t like it? Tough
• Your date doesn’t like her dish? Of course, get her a new one right away.

9. How to Split the Bill:

• With friends: Always evenly.
• On business: The invitee pays
• With parents or in laws: Let them pay
• First date: Man pays
• Fifth date: Man pays, unless other-wise mutually agreed upon.

10. In The Restroom:

• Always Flush
• Never pee in the stall. That’s the equivalent of showering in a bathing suit.
• Always wash your hands. – How to be a Man, Etiquette for Men by: Chris Jones for Esquire