People used to know that it was bad manners to discuss sex, money or politics; especially among people you don’t know well. But it seems we’re breaking all the rules these days.
It’s not a bad thing that we’re opening up a bit and able to express our views, but using a little restraint wouldn’t hurt, either!
I had a number of conversations after article on handling restaurant checks, Etiquette on the Road, and several other articles with a common theme: money!
Here are some common observations
- If you’re unemployed or otherwise not doing well financially, it’s fine to opt out of expensive outings with friends without making a big deal of it. Suggest a less expensive alternative, like staying in for games and snacks rather than spending a night on the town.
- Even if you’re in a tight spot, don’t avoid your friends altogether, enjoy your time together and enjoy simple hobbies and conversation.
- Don’t carry on about your money troubles to friends you don’t know well. They probably can’t help, and you’ll just make them uncomfortable.
- If you’re doing well financially, DON’T carry on about your great job, high credit score, or expensive purchases you’ve just made. It’s great to be doing well, but it’s in poor taste to advertise it in a neighborhood with 10 percent unemployment!
- Have a holiday party if it’s a tradition for your family, company or group of friends. It’s possible (and fun) to have parties with less expensive food and drink options. You don’t need Champagne when white wine in a box will do. You can have more cheese and less caviar, more vegetable dishes and less steak and lobster.
- Give gifts that show more thought than money. You can assemble a fruit basket with food from the grocery store or farmer’s market and deliver it yourself, rather than having an expensive one delivered.
- Tip if you can. Even if you give your personal trainer, mailman or hair stylist half of what you gave last year, it shows that you’re thinking of them.
Being polite and sociable doesn’t mean you run up a huge debt. This is a great holiday season to focus on simpler pleasures and simply enjoying the company of people you work with.
yes i have a friend who tries to constantly brag about being on a what most would say average wage – hes says things like “when women know your on £30k they come flocking at your feet” – i just tend to laff and ignore.much prefer someone who is successful but modest – great advise – good post!
This is a great article and I know from experience that money does not always being happiness. I established a company over 10 years ago and spent the first 8 years working ridiculous hours with financial rewards being the goal.
I did make some good money and was financially better off than many of my peers, however it was at the expense of spending valuable time with my first child and my family.
With my second child on the way, I now try to strike a balance and my quality of life has dramatically improved.
It is my experience that individuals that carry on about money and in fact generally quite miserable. Money-talk tends to be a distraction from those things that really matter in life.
Ace blog very well laid out indeed. I wish mine were as good as yours. Keep up the good work! If I could have your 50% creativity I would be very proud.
Comfortabl y, the article is in reality the best on this precious topic. I harmonize with your conclusions and will eagerly look forward to your forthcoming updates. Saying thanks will not just be adequate, for the exceptional lucidity in your writing. I will instantly grab your rss feed to stay abreast of any updates. De lightful work and much success in your business enterprise!
Thanks for your article.I’m planning to learn many methods to make money with supporting outsourcing services. Outsourcing Services, such as IT Outsourcing,Web Development Outsourcing Services. I got some information about the Outsourcing from this article and is useful to me.Tks again.
quite interesting article
It’s a shame that this thread got hijacked by idiots. I really like the posts on here and so find it a shame when people post comments, quite obviously without bothering to read the article first. Keep up the good work on your website!
There is a rapid growth of Outsorcing these days as manufactures try to cut cost and maximize profit.”~~
Well for sure no one wants to hear you bragging about how much money you got, i never discuss my financial situation, and i go out to places that i and my friends can afford.
[...] Money and Etiquette – How to Be Polite Without Going Broke! [...]