Proper Etiquette?

Question

I am meeting my new beau's friends this weekend,
They are pretty much ivy-leauge grad's- I am a community college country bumpkin-
I will be myself, but I want to know what some proper etiquette is-
topics that are ok to discuss, table etiquette, etc.

Answer 1

no politics or religion discussions.
no elbows on the table.
don't touch your face or fidget.
if someone asks about your favorite movie, pick an oldie but goodie. (the original 'madam x', for example)

if your boyfriend likes you, so will his friends.

a good friend of mine has some pretty famous people (authors, ambasadors, military heads etc.) and i'm here to tell you that they all wipe their butts the same as you and me.

Answer 2

For table etiquette, conversation topics and so forth any good etiquette book can guide you (Miss Manners comes to mind, but there are other good ones out there). As for the rest---just relax and be yourself. People with money and/or ivy-league educations are just people. They care about family stuff, the weather, current events, and all the other stuff that everyone else cares about. As with most people, they are usually too wrapped up in their own problems and concerns to worry if you use the proper fork at the table.

Answer 3

College is college really, except for the cost of tuition. Don't worry about his friends, maybe they got a break and could go to an ivy league school while you couldn't, remember that the college they attended doesn't mean they have any more class than you do. Everything will be fine, don't be nervous, if your boyfriend loves you, they will too. Have fun.

Answer 4

Just relax and be yourself. It's not like etiquette classes are a pre-requisite for ivy-league schools. Ask them about themselves, where they grew up, music, etc. Keep it off politics unless you're jonesing for a intense conversation or they bring it up. Talk to your boyfriend about it too in advance- let him know you're nervous so he'll be on the lookout for you :) If you go somewhere fancy to eat and actually need to know table etiquette, just eat slowly, and let them do things first so you can just follow their lead.

Answer 5

The Ivy Leaguers should be more concerned with etiquette than you. But let's not assume they're snobbish or smarter or dumber or anything else. Just be yourself, and everything should be just fine. Besides, your beau's an Ivy Leaguer and he likes you a lot. :)

Answer 6

You're too worried. Go with the flow and be you!

You may be stereotyping them as they could easily be very down to earth.

Just because they are ivy leauge grads doesn't mean they are prim and proper.

Answer 7

First of all do not put yourself down. If you are not sure what table etiquette to follow just keep your eyes open en copy what the others do. Avoid politics and religion and you will be safe. Enjoy!

Answer 8

Stay away from Gay's, God, and Politics and if you find anything else to talk about, you're safe...

Those three topics will fire up anyone, so for the first meeting just play it cool and let them control the conversation. You'll have your chance soon enough, plus you'll have an advantage, you'll know how they think straight away and they'll be guessing about you.

Answer 9

Hopefully they accept you as you are, but here are some tips for table ettiquette...
Don't scrape your fork in your teeth, don't clang your bowl/plate with spoon/fork. Watch their lead when in doubt. Just follow general table manners and you'll be fine. Ask your beau what he thinks too and for any tips from him.

Answer 10

No, not where I come from - Scotland - its not because we are mean - that's a standing joke, but flower delivery men here are not one of the recognised "trades" to tip - like - posties at Christmas, and waitresses etc. But if you feel generous when your beautiful flowers arrive, nothing to stop you - I would probably do it myself.