What Does It Mean To Have Good Manners?

Original photo from Vogue.com

Welcome to Must Bring Buns! I'm thrilled that you have taken the time to visit my blog. I thought a great deal about my first post, and since my love for etiquette inspired this blog, it seemed only fitting that the inaugural post be about the meaning of manners. Enjoy! 
              
I want to start by telling you a story, a little literary snack. This past summer my husband and I spent the 4th of July with my family in California (I hail from the surf and sand of Newport Beach). We celebrated this special holiday with our usual tradition of dinner and fireworks at my parent's country club, and since we had a small group, my brother invited his dear friends and their two children to join us. When I say these children had good manners, that's an understatement. Cheerful, polite, respectful, and absolutely adorable, these precious younglings epitomized every parent's dream. From their gorgeous table manners, to their sparkling stories about school, to their thoughtful hand written thank you notes, they left quite an impression on me. It made me wonder - why did their "good manners" seem like an exception and not the rule? 

So, what does having "good manners" really mean? Does this mean following stuffy, passé rules or does this mean always saying please and thank you? And who decides what constitutes as good manners? Simply stated, good manners equates to knowing how to conduct oneself in a way that is mindful of others. Good manners refers to understanding social skills, communicating with people, and demonstrating behavior that you can be proud of. So yes my sweets, having good manners means saying the magic words of “please” and “thank you,” knowing how to comport yourself at a dinner party (a la my tiny aforementioned friends), how to engage with others in social settings, and the list continues. However, it's important to understand that these “manners” allow us to succeed personally and professionally and be our best self; and when we’re our best self, we truly shine! If this post leaves you feeling as though you need to brush up on your manners or your mind fills with a flashback of less than proper behavior from a recent event (don't fret my pet, no one is perfect!), not to worry, just follow my blog for colorful stories and helpful tips. Have an etiquette-related question? Email me at mustbringbuns@gmail.com and I’ll respond to you within 24 hours. 

Cheers to a 2013 filled with beautiful manners and our most fabulous selves!