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Social Etiquette and Good Manners/introductions
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Question
My girlfriend(52) will be meeting my son (33)and his wife(27). What is the proper way to do the introduction?.
thx, john
Dear John,
During social introductions, you always introduce women first. Since your girlfriend doesn't know your son or his wife, you will want to make her feel welcome into the group.
This is how you should make the introduction and what to say:
Look at your girlfriend and say her name, then say I would like to introduce (look at them)(name), my daughter-in-law and (name), my son.
Then look at your daughter-law and son, say their names names and tell them your girlfriend's name.
Here is a sample introduction:
"Susan, I would like to introduce Mary, my daughter-in-law and James, my son."
Mary and James, this is Susan, my girlfriend."
By saying your girlfriend's name first you are making her the most important person there and giving her precedence.
Thank you for writing and I hope that all goes well when they meet.
Best regards,
Fleming Allaire, Ph.D.
Dr. Manners
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Answers by Expert:
Fleming Allaire, Ph.D., a.k.a Dr. Manners (TM).
Expertise
As an author, educator, newspaper columnist and trainer in the field of manners and etiquette, I am able to answer questions on every aspect of social etiquette and good manners. I cover adult and children`s manners,introductions, dining skills, verbal and written communication (including e-mail, cell phone and regular telephone etiquette), tipping, weddings, travel, births, death and funerals, proper attire for every occasion, office etiquette, invitations, entertaining, the roles of a host and a guest, thank you notes, family life, interviews, gift-giving, graduations, good grooming, disabled persons, hotels,school manners, good sportsmanship,respect, manners in public places( the theater, movies, church, shopping, restaurants, etc.), being a good neighbor, and being considerate of others.
Experience
I am the originator of national Children's Good Manners Month (September) and founder of The Good Manners Club. My school program "Manners Do Matter" is used successfully throughout the United States. I teach manners and etiquette at the University of Connecticut, Central Connecticut State University, United Technologies Corporation, Cigna Corporation and The Archdiocese of Hartford Catholic Schools. I wrote and recorded my Dr. Manners' Moments for Radio Disney, which aired for nearly two years. I was a regular contributor on WVIT-TV NBC30 during 2002 and 2003. I was a regular etiquette expert on WTIC (Radio)for nearly 3 years. I have been interviewed by radio stations, television stations, newspapers and other publications around the world. I recently appeared in an episode of the television show Survival Guide, on the Fine Living Network on Personal Etiquette and am a consultant for the Network. I was asked to write an article for The New York Times on Manners and Etiquette for the Summer, which was published on Sunday, May 16, 2004. I have visited dozens of schools, public and private; worked with The Girl Scouts; various community groups (including Chambers of Commerce and Senior Citizen Groups); church groups,and more. I am a former elementary school principal and a former elementary school teacher. Additionally, I have authored several books and booklets on manners and etiquette. I have been a manners advice newspaper columnist for nine years. My education includes: Ph.D. in Education, LaSalle University; Administrator Certification, Sacred Heart University; Teacher Certification, Central Connecticut State University; B.A. in English, Nazareth College of Rochester; Etiquette Consultant Certification
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