Americans Often Miss These Basic Etiquette Rules — Will You?

Unless you live in a place where Southern hospitality is the norm, many etiquette rules aren’t as well known in modern society. Despite how many rules of etiquette have fallen out of practice, they’re still an important way to display good manners and engage with others in social settings. If you think you’re an expert on proper etiquette, test your knowledge with these basic etiquette rules Americans often miss.

Before you dig into your food, make sure this has happened.

No matter how hungry you are, it’s important to wait until everyone else is seated and served before you take the first bite.

Many Americans don’t realize there's an etiquette rule about which direction you should pass the food.

When there are dishes to pass around the table, it's proper etiquette to pass the food to the right.

It can be tricky to know how much to tip in every scenario, but there is a general rule about how much you should tip.

It’s generally considered proper to tip 20% unless there was a major issue with the service you received.

It’s not easy to do, but you should put this away when you’re spending time with other people.

It’s always good practice to put your phone away in social situations to connect with the people around you.

Like being in a restaurant, there are certain etiquette rules to follow when you’re in the movie theater.

Many theaters will have a reminder to turn off your phone during the movie, but it’s important to remember how disturbing the light from your phone can be to other people.

RSVPs aren’t as common nowadays, but if you receive one in the mail or digitally, this is when you should return your RSVP.

No matter what kind of event you’re invited to, if it comes with an RSVP, return it right away whether you're able to make it or not.

If you’re bringing a gift to a baby shower, always make sure you send this with it.

People love buying gifts for babies but don't forget to send a gift receipt so the mom-to-be has the option to exchange or return something she doesn’t need.

This practice isn’t as common nowadays, but it’s still good etiquette when someone invites you to a party.

When someone extends an invitation to you, it’s a nice gesture to bring a gift for the host. It can be something as simple as a dish to share or a bottle of wine.

This basic etiquette rule is often forgotten even though it's an important way to show gratitude.

It may seem old-fashioned, but it’s still appropriate to send a thank you note when someone gives you a gift.

Gym etiquette is just as important as etiquette in other places.

If you’re working out at the gym, it’s your responsibility to wipe down your equipment so it’s clean for the next person.

Even for well-trained dogs, it’s important for them to wear this.

Even if you think your dog is well-behaved without a leash, keep your dog on a leash when you’re in public places, especially if you’re in a place that requires it.

This is one of your many responsibilities as a dog owner.

Although it should be a no-brainer, it’s your responsibility as a dog owner to clean up after your dog. Always bring plastic bags when you’re walking your dog in public.

Those who don’t mind having their picture taken might not think about this basic etiquette rule.

Not everyone likes to have their picture taken, so be sure to ask permission before taking someone’s picture.

Many people nowadays do this without thinking, but it’s important to ask someone before doing this.

If someone agrees to have their picture taken, they don't necessarily want it posted online. It's also important to ask the parent before you post a picture of someone's child online.

Even though it’s become more common nowadays to not practice this rule, this is still the best way to show others that you respect their time.

Running late is something that happens to everyone, but being punctual is the most basic way to show others that you respect your time. If you are going to be late, be sure to let the other person know.

It's easy to forget about this etiquette rule if you're not paying attention to those around you.

If someone is walking into a building after you, it’s always polite to hold the door for them.

Despite how many people speak online and on TV or in movies, there are still some types of language you should avoid when you’re in a social situation.

Foul language and swearing may be commonplace nowadays, but it’s still considered inappropriate in many social settings, especially in a crowd you're not as familiar with.

One of the many rules of etiquette in social situations has to do with controlling how much you talk.

In social situations, be intentional about listening to others more than you speak and asking about other’s lives more than you talk about yours.

This is one of the most basic rules when it comes to good manners, but these phrases are often forgotten in the modern world.

Saying "please" and "thank you" is one of the most basic ways to show gratitude and be polite to others.

It’s something many people forget but you should take the time to do this before you leave the table.

When you get up from the table to leave, whether you’re coming back or not, always push your chair in.