Dear Readers,
I don’t know if you, like me, have been bombarded by pumpkin spice lattes since the calendar has flipped into September. They are everywhere - both online and in real life. (I wonder if this is the right moment to admit that I have never tried a pumpkin spice latte in my life?). As a forever espresso girl with an occasional splash of cappuccino, my coffee order remains the same throughout the seasons.
Unfortunately, we cannot say the same about the thermometer. With the temperatures dropping, we make a smooth shift towards warmer layers, darker evenings and… the need to dust off some good old etiquette.
While summer might have left us carefree, now is the right time to prepare and be prepared. In today’s newsletter, I am listing 3 Cardinal Etiquette Rules that might be universal, but are more relevant than ever in the autumn time:
1. THE FESTIVE SEASON IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER
Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and other cultural celebrations may feel weeks away (which will pass in a split of a second), but autumn is often when the first invitations arrive. This is the moment we set the tone - both as hosts and as guests. Etiquette in this context isn’t just about following rules; it’s about showing respect for people’s time, effort, and hospitality.
QUICK ETIQUETTE RECAP:
When receiving an invitation:
Respond promptly. Nothing is more stressful for a host than uncertainty. Even if you’re unsure whether you can attend, let the host know you’ve received the invitation and when you’ll confirm. If you must decline, do it graciously and thank them for thinking of you.
When issuing an invitation:
Plan ahead. Sending invitations well in advance does not only allow people to prepare, but also help you ensure that your guests are not already booked out. Remember to include clear details (date, time, location, dress code).
2. THE AUTUMN SEASON IS ALSO A FLU SEASON
As the days grow colder, so do the germs more easily find their way into our lives. Our immunity system gets a hit and sniffling noses, sneezes on the subway, and coughs in crowded rooms are all too familiar. While catching a cold may be unavoidable, how we handle it makes all the difference in how others experience being around us.
QUICK ETIQUETTE RECAP:
Blowing your nose:
If you need to blow your nose, remember to step aside, use a tissue, and wash or sanitise your hands afterwards. Remember to discard the tissue safely.
Sneezing and coughing:
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow - not your hand, as it is used for handshakes.
3. EMAIL ETIQUETTE MATTERS MORE THAN EVER
Autumn at work often feels like a sprint. Summer vacations are over, deadlines crawl upon all of us, and teams are rushing to wrap up projects before year-end. In this environment, how you communicate can make the difference between smooth collaboration and unnecessary stress. Email etiquette is timeless, but it becomes especially vital in these busy months.
QUICK ETIQUETTE RECAP:
Be concise and clear:
A lengthy email that buries the key point is frustrating. Respect colleagues’ and clients’ time by putting the most important information in the first few lines.
Avoid sending emails late at night:
Unless urgent, schedule emails for business hours. It prevents stress and models healthy boundaries.
Autumn may be known for its beauty, but it also challenges us to be more mindful in how we connect with others. By brushing up on these timeless etiquette skills now, we’ll enter the festive season - and the new year - with confidence, grace and a pumpkin spice latte in hand 🙂
Happy autumn!
Yours sincerely,
Katarina
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