6 Social Etiquettes for Youth and Young Adults

“Children of these days!” Have you heard the phrase above before? Or probably you’ve used it.

It’s a phrase commonly used by the older generations when they see the younger generation put up some uncultured or disrespectful behavior.

Indeed, the world is changing, and so are the rules of engagement. With the rise of social media, the lines between what’s acceptable and what’s not have become increasingly blurred.

However, good manners and social etiquette are timeless, and they can make all the difference in how others perceive you and how you perceive yourself.

Even as chaotic as the world seems, it’s more important now than ever for young adults to learn and practice good social etiquette to succeed in their personal and professional lives.

In this article, we’ll explore essential social etiquettes for adolescents and young adults that will help them navigate complex social situations, build strong relationships, and make a positive impression on others.

Before we dive into the 15 essential social etiquettes for young adults, it’s essential to understand the basics.

What do we mean by etiquette, manners, and morals? How do these concepts relate to each other, and why are they important in our daily lives?

Social Etiquettes are the set of rules and conventions that govern our social behavior, particularly in formal or professional settings.

It encompasses the dos and don’ts of social interaction, such as the proper way to address people, how to behave at the table, and how to communicate effectively.

Etiquette is about showing respect for others, being considerate of their feelings and needs, and avoiding behaviors that might be offensive or embarrassing.

Manners

Manners are the outward expressions of etiquette. Manners are sometimes used interchangeably with etiquette but they are not exactly the same.

They are the specific behaviors and actions that demonstrate respect, kindness, and consideration for others. Good manners include things like saying “please” and “thank you,” holding doors open for others, and using polite language.

Manners are the tangible manifestations of etiquette, and they play a significant role in shaping how others perceive us.

Morals

Morals, on the other hand, refer to the background principles and values that guide our behavior and decision-making. They are the underlying beliefs and attitudes that influence our actions and choices.

Morals are about doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong, even when no one is watching. They are the foundation upon which we imbibe etiquette and manners.

For instance, if empathy is one of your core values (morals), it’s natural to follow the guidelines of lending a helping hand, holding the door open for someone, or offering a smile (etiquette).

And when you do these, you’re practicing good manners.

In essence, etiquette provides the rules and guidelines for social behavior in your mind, manners are the ways we express those guidelines (or etiquette) we have learned, and morals are the underlying principles that guide our actions.

An adolescent might be wondering “why do I need social etiquette?” Social etiquette is important to adolescents for several reasons:

1. Helps them navigate social situations:

As an adolescent grows, they are faced with different social settings where they’re expected to conduct themselves in certain manners.

This can be challenging for a young person who doesn’t know what is expected or how to fit in. Social etiquette provides a framework for navigating complex social situations, such as interacting with peers, teachers, and family members.

2. Builds confidence and self-esteem: When adolescents practice good social etiquette, they feel more confident and self-assured, which can help them overcome anxiety and self-doubt.

3. Develops emotional intelligence: Social etiquette helps adolescents develop emotional intelligence, which is critical for understanding and managing their own emotions and those of others.

4. Fosters positive relationships: Good social etiquette helps adolescents build positive relationships with peers, teachers, and family members, which is essential for their emotional and psychological well-being.

5. Prepares them for adulthood: Social etiquettes are essential for success in adulthood, and adolescents who practice good etiquettes are better prepared to navigate the complexities of adult life.

6. Helps them develop a sense of responsibility: Practicing good social etiquette helps adolescents develop a sense of responsibility and accountability for their actions and behavior.

7. Enhances reputation and credibility: When adolescents practice good social etiquette, they build a positive reputation and credibility among their peers and adults, which can open doors to new opportunities.

For example, if you’re an adolescent who demonstrates good manners, adults have more confidence in you and trust that you can handle certain responsibilities in your care.

This would open doors of opportunities like jobs and connections that can take you very far in life.

8. Supports academic and professional success: Good social etiquette is essential for academic and professional success, as it helps adolescents build positive relationships with teachers, colleagues, and clients.

1. Respect for authority figures

Remember that common phrase we started with earlier about “children of these days”?

I have heard that phrase used mostly when adolescents put up disrespectful conduct before those older than them, such as their teachers, parents, or bosses.

So, we will dwell on this point for a bit. It’s common to see behaviors like these among young boys and girls.

They roll their eyes scornfully after an older person talks to them, talk back at elders, or even raise their voices at them, do exactly what they’re told not to do at home, in church or at school, they fight for seat space with elders.

Some would not flinch in asking an elder to stand up from their seats in a gathering.

Some male students even have the guts to make passes at their female teachers, some others make mockery of their teachers and pass nasty remarks around behind their teachers.

They snap when an older person tries to correct them.

All these are ill conducts that don’t speak well of any young person. It is understood that as children grow into adolescents, they begin to desire some level of autonomy.

You want to be heard. You want some respect, and that’s normal. But you won’t get that desired respect by being rude. Remember, respect is reciprocal.

Also, remember the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you want them to do to you.

Your teachers, parents, or bosses are there to guide you because they have been here a little longer than you. They have some unpleasant experiences that they try to shield you from.

That’s why you should try to reason with them. Of course, you won’t always agree with their opinions, but you can differ respectfully.

Always put yourself in the shoes of others and picture how you would feel if you were at the receiving end of what you do to them.

If you don’t like to be treated that way, then that’s your cue to adjust your behavior.

Obey the rules given in any environment you find yourself in because those rules are there for our safety and well-being. During church programs, for instance, obey the ushers.

They’re there to maintain a smooth program. Do your chores at home as you were asked to. Show courtesy when you talk to people, irrespective of their age.

It’s super important to show older one’s respect, even if you don’t always agree with them. I mean, think about it – they’re trying to guide you and help you grow, right?

So, when they talk to you, listen attentively and don’t roll your eyes. And please, if you must respond, do so politely. Don’t raise your voice. That’s just not cool.

2. Good table manners

Have you sat at a table to eat with someone, and they just belch carelessly as they eat? Did it sit well with you?

Or those that eat noisily; making disgusting sounds as they chew on food.

(e.g. using utensils, not talking with mouth full)

Belching or eating and drinking noisily while seated at a meal, especially in the presence of others is often regarded as impolite or disrespectful in the Nigerian culture.

Proper table etiquette requires you to chew with your mouth closed and avoid slurping or other loud noises while you eat or drink. Use utensils correctly.

Don’t talk with your mouth full, and excuse yourself by turning your mouth away from the meal if you need to belch. Also, do it calmly, covering your mouth with your hand.

Trust me, people will notice if you’re being rude or sloppy at the table. So, take your time, chew slowly, and don’t make a mess. Easy peasy!

3. Active listening and responding

It is not polite to interrupt others while they’re speaking. If you must, apologize for cutting them off, and don’t make it a habit. Active listening is a big one.

It means paying attention to what the other person is saying, and responding thoughtfully. Don’t just nod your head and pretend to listen – actually listen!

Ask questions, make eye contact, and show that you care about what they’re saying.

Active listening plays a big role in communication. It’s a great way to build strong relationships and avoid misunderstandings.

4. Using polite language and tone

Even when you don’t agree with others, you can still be polite. You don’t have to shout, use profane words, or a condescending tone to make your point.

Be kind and considerate, even when you’re disagreeing with someone. Try to use “please” and “thank you,” and avoid insults.

Tone is everything – so try to sound friendly and approachable, not angry or defensive.

Your body has a language of its own. That’s what we call ‘body language’. It’s the non-verbal message you’re sending across with your facial expression, posture, gestures, and body movements.

Sometimes the things we don’t say speak volumes. So, it’s not always about what you say; how you say it matters.

You can say ‘thank you,’ but your body language is saying, ‘Hey, I don’t mean that. I’m not grateful.’

Have you heard of the 7-38-55 rule of communication by Albert Mehrabian?

It states that 7% of meaning is conveyed through spoken word, 38% through the tone of voice, and 55% through body language.

What does this tell you? It means what you say doesn’t weigh as much as the tone of your voice and your outward expressions while you say it.

So, when someone is talking to you and you want them to know you’re interested in listening, sit upright, maintain eye contact, smile when necessary, and don’t cross your arms.

5. Being punctual and respectful of others’ time

There’s a pathetic slogan that has eaten deep into the fabric of our personal values in the country – ‘African time’. It’s sheer indiscipline or we can call it a lack of time management skill.

The good thing is that more people are learning to be time-conscious. It is disrespectful to keep people waiting when you can avoid it.

As some would say, time is money. People have other things to do with their time, so if they schedule a chunk of their time to spend with you, honor it.

Try to plan ahead, set reminders, and leave a little early. And remember, being late is not just about you – it affects other people too.

6. Responsible technology use

These days, young people literally press their phones everywhere: on the road, during lectures, during meetings, while worship is ongoing, in the middle of a conversation…anywhere!

They practically live in the box – their phones.

These behaviors are not appropriate. Even the Bible says there is time for everything.

When someone is having a conversation with you is not the appropriate time for chatting or doing any other business on your phone.

It tells the person that their presence or the conversation is not important. When eating, put down the phone and eat mindfully.

Another dangerous thing that young people do these days is pushing boundaries on the internet. They share sensitive information like addresses and card details without caution.

Some derive pleasure in bullying people online or insulting people on social media. While some others share sexually provocative pictures and videos.

All these behaviors can hinder one’s progress later in the future because the internet never forgets. It may seem like fun while you’re young.

But as you grow older and begin to venture into important life endeavors, these things you have shared in the past may catch up with you.

People have lost great job opportunities because their would-be employers went through their timelines on social media and saw despicable details about them that could dent the reputation of their company.

So, they let them go despite their current potential.

Be careful what you share on the internet. It tells a lot about you and determines how people treat you.

One more thing: don’t access people’s phones without their permission. That’s intrusion into their privacy and it’s wrong. Respect boundaries.

There are several other ways to practice social etiquette. The list above is by no means exhaustive. Some of them include:

Showing appreciation and gratitude

Being honest and transparent in communication

Respecting personal space and boundaries

Practicing good hygiene and grooming

Being respectful of cultural and social differences

Respect for others’ property

Respect for the environment

Good sportsmanship

Tolerance for others’ shortcomings, etc.

And there you have it, folks! More than 6 essential social etiquettes for young adults that will help them navigate the complexities of social interactions and build strong, lasting relationships.

Social etiquette is about being aware of your actions and their impact on those around you.

These etiquettes will help you become a more confident and respectful individual who makes a positive impact on those around you.

Start by choosing one social etiquette to focus on each week. Practice it, perfect it, and make it a habit. Tell your friends and family about it and encourage them to do the same.

What’s your favorite social etiquette from this list? Do you have a personal story about how social etiquette has impacted your life?

Share your thoughts in the comments below! Also, don’t forget to share this post with someone.

Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you in the next post!

Share this post:

X (Twitter) Facebook LinkedIn WhatsApp