Seven Surprising Manners Specifically for Summer By Renowned Beverly Hills Manners Expert Lisa Gaché
Seven Surprising Manners Specifically for Summer
By Renowned Beverly Hills Manners Expert Lisa Gaché
Summer has officially graced us with her presence and just in time for the upcoming July 4th holiday. Temperatures have reached a sweltering peak sending our brains and bodies into vacation mode. Even though our city has opened back up and life has returned to a fast-paced pitch, schedules still allow for a bit of breathing room. We are excited to take our foot off the speed pedal and let our hair down. It feels good to relax and relish every special moment before the children go back to school in August and work goes into full swing come fall.
However footloose and fancy free we feel this summer, we mustn’t forget our sense of decorum and decency. This helps minimize the hiccups, catch accidental offenses before they happen, or even avoid a minor infraction or two. Here are a few surprising manners specifically for summer you might not know that will keep your relationships, both personal and professional, intact.
House Guesting 101. If you’re lucky enough to be invited to a friend’s summer home for a stay, make it your mission to be the best houseguest ever! One way to accomplish this is to follow your host’s schedule. If they want everybody in the kitchen for breakfast at 7am, be there with bells on to help flip the flapjacks. If they enjoy an impromptu hot yoga session before dinner, be ready with your yoga mat and the perfect athleisure wear even if you’d rather swim with sharks than suffer through an evening class. Let your host take the reins and introduce you to things they love and you’ll be invited again and again.
Pool Rules. One of the little unwritten rules is no long tresses in the pool. If you haven’t cut your hair since Covid, it is recommended not to mention good hygiene to neatly tidy up long flowing locks before entering the pool. Ladies, keep a pony tail holder in your purse. It’s great in a pinch not only for hot summer days, but also for making a fresh blow dry last much longer. Men, listen up too! The still on-trend man bun will help keep you cool and prevent stray pieces from clogging up pool drains.
Don’t Be A Beach Bum. If you are one of those people who perpetually arrives late to the party, don’t expect to have first dibs on prime real estate at the beach. To ensure you do not encroach on another person’s space or block their beautiful view, there should be about 15 feet distance between you and your neighbor. When selecting your spot, don’t forget to take into consideration high tide. Look for a high water mark, consult a tide chart or ask a lifeguard before settling down for the day.
Ear Bud Etiquette. Summer is a great time to apply for an internship or test out the waters of a new career path. While it may seem summer employers are desperate to hire, they prefer candidates who are present and act as a team player. If you come to work with your ear buds in and have minimal to no interaction with your colleagues, you may come across as rude and your employment may be in question. Limit usage of these electronic devices for when you are on a break or enjoying a quiet lunch solo. Otherwise, please put away these tiny distractions unless you have express permission to use them.
Sweaty Palms Police. It’s hot during the summer. Excessive heat coupled with excited or nervous energy is a recipe begging for a sweaty palms remedy. If heading to an outdoor networking event or meeting work colleagues and want to make a good impression, apply an antiperspirant onto the palms of your hands before heading out. It will reduce sweating and give you that extra confidence when making introductions.
Condiment Clarity. Summer barbeques are chalk full of condiments just begging to be passed. When seated around the table, if someone asks to please pass the ketchup, send it alongside its partner, the mustard. Whether craving hot dog staples, a sprinkle of salt and pepper on a side dish, or a touch of milk and sugar in your coffee, remember that condiments have partners and they are always passed in pairs together and to the right.
Petiquette. If you have to skip out of town for a last minute business trip or choose to vacation without your pet this summer, don’t pressure family or friends into babysitting your pooch. Walking a dog in the extreme heat is arduous and no fun for anyone. A good dog boarding house, however, usually has a cool indoor facility to escape hot temperatures as well as an outdoor area to exercise your pup. Allow these trained experts to keep a watchful eye on your most prized possession.
Founder and CEO of Beverly Hills Manners, Lisa Gaché is a nationally recognized etiquette coach and lifestyle expert. She provides practical modern day solutions and helps clients use the power of social intelligence to enhance their lives, both personally and professionally.
Featured on national television (The Today Show, Access Hollywood, Dr. Phil) and in print media (USA Today, New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, The Telegraph), Ms. Gaché received her certification as a Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant from The Protocol School of Washington along with a mark of distinction from The English Manner in London.
Lisa’s book, Beverly Hills Manners: Golden Rules from the World’s Most Glamorous Zip Code, published November 2014, is the go-to-guide for parents and Saudi princesses, NFL coaches and Oscar nominees. She is currently working on big vision to bring these crucial life tools and social change to the world. For further information, please contact www.beverlyhillsmanners.com.