New Year's Etiquette Resolutions

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I hope everyone kicked off 2014 in style and had a wonderful January 1! As each new year rolls in, countless ladies and gents participate in the time-honored tradition of new year's resolutions. A list of goals, hopes, and dreams - be it to attend yoga more frequently and master the hummingbird pose, or achieve new levels of success at work. This year, as you thoughtfully pen your list of admirable resolutions, I kindly ask you consider etiquette resolutions as well. What do I mean by this dear readers? It all circles back to my inaugural blog post, and the reason I created MBB - to inspire people to be their best selves! And so, here are my MBB-approved new year's etiquette resolutions. Enjoy!

• Be gracious: strive to give thanks with a genuine hand-written thank you note to those who have given you a gift, surprised you with a favor, hosted you at their home, etc. I promise your note will be greatly appreciated! 

• Be kind: acts of kindness, no matter how small, leave an impression on all of us and can make someone's day. Hold a door open for the mother with a stroller and toddler, offer your seat on the crowded train to a person who might need it more than you, or give a sincere compliment. 

• Be polite: words that will always be in fashion: please, thank you, you're welcome, excuse me, and I'm sorry. Aim to reinstate these in your vocabulary, and just watch their magic work!

• Be table ready: we can all benefit from a refresher course on table manners - sitting up straight, properly using utensils, not texting during the meal, etc. - so consider brushing up on dining decorum. 

• Be considerate: in my opinion, the cornerstone to etiquette is ensuring others feel comfortable, from giving a new member of your social group extra attention so they feel included, or having sparkling water available at your cocktail party for a guest who doesn't partake in libations. Each day, strive to be considerate of others.