5 Good Things: The Lost Etiquette(s)
Joan Didion at a Los Angeles Magazine party (1970)
THE GIFT
When you’re a guest at someone’s house, eternal rule is to bring something. In many cultures it’s customary to bring a gift if it’s your first time visiting someone’s house. Lately my usual has been a candle from Snif, or if they’re not into candles the ever popular Ralph’s coffee cup and saucer.
If you’re an overnight guest, if the host has kids, especially little ones, bring something for them. I usually bring cupcakes or something small like a fun card game. I always offer to treat the host out for a brunch or a dinner before my departure.
If you need a tutorial, see Louie: (refresh if video doesn’t show immediately)
NO PHONE POLICY
Learn from Anna Wintour, being on your phone constantly is plain rude. Dining, manicures, public transportation, unless you are under criminal investigation, nobody wants to listen to your phone conversation. If you are in a restaurant, an elevator, on the bus, in a doctor’s waiting room, or in a store and you must take a call - get some fresh air and take it outside.
There should never be a phone on a table when there is food and you’re not alone. I would write that on a post-it so to not forget. If you’re a legit content creator and have to take some food shots, explain yourself and time it. No more than 3 snapshots and then put your phone away. But if you’re not a content creator and need to boast your avocado toast and matcha to the world, you only get 1 snapshot, then put your phone away. Your time on this earth is so limited, spending it face to face with people is what becomes a memory. When you leave this world and you’re on the “other side”, you don’t want to say ‘why did I spend so much time on my phone’. Don’t lose out on making memories.
*An excerpt from Dear City Girl
