Aug 11 Is It Rude to Keep Your Earbuds In While Talking to Someone? By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Question: Hi Diane, I work with a woman who wears her earbuds all day and never takes them out. Knowing…Read More
Apr 25 When Hospitality Feels Intimidating: What’s the Etiquette? By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert, Lifestyle Etiquette Dear Diane, I was recently invited to an acquaintance's (a professional colleague’s) home for dinner. It was a lovely affair…Read More
Apr 18 The Protocol For Including Nutmeg By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I am hosting Easter dinner this year, and my menu includes a dessert and a ham glaze which…Read More
Apr 08 Productive Back to the Office Morning Routines By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert, Business Etiquette Dear Diane, It’s been a “long hard minute” since I have seen the inside of my office and in a…Read More
Mar 17 The Downside to Working From Bed By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I have been working from home for the past eight months and I feel as if I have…Read More
Mar 10 Vaccine and Mask Etiquette By Diane Gottsman Uncategorized Dear Diane, There are so many new social rules when it comes to spending time with people outside of my…Read More
Mar 03 How to Talk to Your Partner About Money By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert, Dating Etiquette, Lifestyle Etiquette Dear Diane, My fiancé and I have been engaged for two years and we are now planning our wedding—and money…Read More
Jun 05 Keep Your College Skills Sharp By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert I am on summer break from college, and after a semester of online training due to COVID-19, I fear I…Read More
Apr 06 Canceling Your Wedding Q&A’s By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert What is the first thing I should do if I need to cancel our wedding? Consult your wedding planner and…Read More
Mar 30 8 Steps For Working from Home By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Due to the coronavirus pandemic, all of my friends and I have found ourselves working from home...Read More
Mar 23 Avoid Loneliness While Social Distancing By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Do you have any ideas for avoiding loneliness while I am social distancing?...Read More
Mar 06 Email Etiquette: Using Titles and Designations By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert, Email Etiquette Dear Diane, Questions have come up around the designations in my email signature from time to time and I am…Read More
Mar 02 Baggage Claim Etiquette By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Hey Diane, I have a travel pet peeve and I am wondering if this is something you have tackled. I…Read More
Feb 24 Who Pays on the First Date? By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert, Dating Etiquette Dear Diane, Who pays on the first date? I have recently joined the online dating world and I find myself…Read More
Feb 07 Valentine’s Day Surprise Predicament By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I am in a Valentine's Day dilemma. I have planned a much-awaited reunion with three of my high…Read More
Aug 09 The Etiquette of Hosting Family and Friends By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I need your help! I'm hoping you can offer advice as to how to handle a situation I…Read More
Jul 11 How to Be More Confident at Work By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I recently came to the realization that I might be sabotaging my own career! If you were to…Read More
Jun 03 How to Ask for a Raise By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, My one year work anniversary is just around the corner (I have two months to go at the…Read More
May 22 How to Ask for a Favor By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I recently graduated and have started my first job. My boss has scheduled me for a shift I…Read More
May 09 How to Eat an Oyster By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, My wife and I recently relocated to the coast of South Carolina and are delighted at the array…Read More
May 02 The Etiquette of AirPods By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, My fiance recently surprised me with a pair of AirPods for my birthday. Now that I am wearing…Read More
Apr 22 10 Ways to Make the Most of Your Lunch Break By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I’ve worked at my current job for six months and have fallen into the habit of eating lunch…Read More
Apr 12 The Etiquette of Tipping Apps By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Hi Diane, I have a question I haven't seen addressed anywhere yet and am hoping you can shed some light…Read More
Apr 04 Business Etiquette: Building Resilience in the Face of Change By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, The CEO of my company recently announced an unanticipated restructure. While I like to pride myself on generally…Read More
Mar 18 Putting the Spark Back in the Work Week By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I recently landed a full-time position at an engineering firm that was in my top three choices when…Read More
Mar 06 Enneagram Type 4: The Individualist By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I would like your opinion on something. I recently found the Enneagram personality types and the information has…Read More
Feb 25 Slack Etiquette Dilemma By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, My department made the switch to Slack for project communications several months ago, and overall, it’s been a…Read More
Feb 20 Advice on Changing Careers By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, After ignoring my gut instinct for several years, I think I’m finally ready to pursue a new career.…Read More
Feb 14 Creating a Home Office That ‘Sparks Joy’ By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert, Lifestyle Etiquette Dear Diane, Like many others, I’m enthralled with the Netflix series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. I’d like to channel…Read More
Feb 06 Researching a Company’s Work Culture By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I’ve been interviewing for new job opportunities in 2019 and am thankful to say I’ve received two solid…Read More
Jan 29 When to Add Milk and Sugar to Your Cup of Tea By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I have recently become fascinated with the tradition of tea, in great part because I enjoy reading your…Read More
Jan 21 Brewing Loose Leaf Tea and Using a Tea Strainer By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert I recently answered a reader question about Afternoon Tea etiquette in honor of National Hot Tea Month. Here's another tea…Read More
Jan 17 When Should You Remove Your Baseball Cap? By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I work from home and often visit a nearby coffee shop for a midday pick-me-up and a change…Read More
Jan 09 Afternoon Tea Etiquette By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, Lately, I’ve been feeling inspired to host my very first Afternoon Tea for a few close friends. Of…Read More
Jan 02 How to Answer the Job Interview Question “Why Were You Fired?” By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I’m in the market for a new job opportunity after being unexpectedly let go from a startup. Their…Read More
Dec 27 What to Do With an Unwanted Gift By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, My 91-year-old grandmother gave me a gold watch for Christmas last year. Sadly, I don’t like it and…Read More
Dec 17 Regifting Etiquette: Is It Ever Okay? By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I’ve always thought that regifting is fine as long as the item is newly wrapped and there is…Read More
Dec 12 Holiday Hostess Gift Etiquette By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I’ll be meeting my fiancé’s family for the first time over the holidays. I’m invited to their mountain…Read More
Dec 05 Holiday Traditions: How to Change the Party Format By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, Having friends and family over for our annual Christmas movie marathon is a highlight of the season. My…Read More
Nov 28 Awkward Holiday Moments: The Etiquette of Explaining a Break-Up By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert, Social Etiquette Dear Diane, My longtime boyfriend and I recently parted ways; we realized that our goals were entirely different and we…Read More
Nov 21 The Difference Between Dinner vs. Supper By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I notice that some of my friends invite us over for “dinner” while others use the word “supper”…Read More
Nov 13 Holiday Etiquette: How to Skip Dessert Without Offending Your Host By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert, Holiday Etiquette Dear Diane, I’ve recently changed my eating habits and have experienced better health and finally gotten my weight under control. I…Read More
Nov 09 4 Ways to Implement a No Phones Policy on Thanksgiving By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I was wondering about your thoughts on cell phone use during dinner. (I think I can guess your…Read More
Oct 26 How to Keep Your Halloween Party Civil and Not Scary By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, This year I’m hosting my first Halloween party. I’ve hosted smaller events at my house in the…Read More
Oct 25 Thank You Note Follow-Up Etiquette By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I have a question regarding thank you notes. My grandmother passed away a week ago and my family…Read More
Oct 18 How Do I Say “No” to Throwing an Expensive Baby Shower? By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Hello Diane, A friend of mine is expecting a baby and I volunteered to throw her a baby shower.…Read More
Oct 11 How to Address an Invasion of Privacy on Social Media By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, A friend of mine recently shared some of my personal information on social media without my consent.…Read More
Sep 14 How to Handle Your Boss Resigning By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert, Business Etiquette, Lifestyle Etiquette, Social Etiquette Dear Diane, My boss recently left and I am struggling with “what’s next” for me. His position has not…Read More
Sep 07 Dealing With a Family Braggart By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert, Lifestyle Etiquette, Social Etiquette Dear Diane, I have a sister in law who consistently “toots her own horn” every time we get together…Read More
Aug 29 Waiting Room Etiquette By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I have found myself in the midst of a medical situation which has caused me to make…Read More
Aug 16 Afternoon Tea By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert, Lifestyle Etiquette, Social Etiquette Dear Diane, A group of friends are planning a baby shower tea party. We would like for it to…Read More
Mar 30 Helping a Loved One Deal with Grief Around a Holiday By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert While the holidays are typically joyous occasions, they can also bring sadness to those who are mourning a loss of…Read More
Feb 10 Valentine’s Day “Love Note” Etiquette By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I am at a loss. Valentine’s Day is around the corner and I want to send a special…Read More
Nov 17 Setting the Thanksgiving Table By Diane Gottsman Holiday Etiquette If you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year, this table setting guide is a useful tool to help you set the…Read More
Nov 16 How to Host Your First Thanksgiving By Diane Gottsman Holiday Etiquette Thanksgiving is synonymous with heart and home. For those who are just starting out and establishing their own family traditions,…Read More
Nov 16 How to Plan the Perfect “Friendsgiving” By Diane Gottsman Holiday Etiquette While Thanksgiving is a ritual that often involves a combination of relatives, rich food, football, travel and mandatory family togetherness, Friendsgiving is,…Read More
Aug 23 Who to Tip at Your Wedding By Diane Gottsman Tipping Etiquette When planning a wedding budget, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or get confused on who should get a tip. With…Read More
Aug 15 Slack Etiquette By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, My company just started using Slack and I’m having all sorts of anxiety! I’m learning how to use…Read More
Aug 11 Interview Etiquette: Follow Up By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert, Interview Etiquette Dear Diane, I am a new college graduate and I am recently faced with going on multiple job interviews. Many…Read More
Aug 04 Online Dating Etiquette By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I've been considering online dating for a while, but I don't feel prepared to take the plunge. It's…Read More
Jul 27 Dealing With a Coworker Who Wears Strong Perfume By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I work closely with a colleague who wears very strong scented cologne. I go home with a headache every…Read More
Jul 21 Hostess Gift Etiquette By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I love to entertain and often invite people over to my apartment for dinner. I am always stumped…Read More
Jul 12 Going Sleeveless in the Workplace By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, It’s hot outside and my boss won’t let us wear anything sleeveless during the work day. Is it…Read More
Jul 07 Housewarming Party Etiquette By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, My husband and I are moving into our first house and I'd like to throw a housewarming party.…Read More
Jun 30 Mother-In-Law Dilemma By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, My mother-in-law is recently divorced. She’s been spending a great deal of her free time going out with…Read More
Jun 27 Tipping the Uber/Lyft Driver By Diane Gottsman Tipping Etiquette It finally happened! Uber has announced they are rolling out a new feature allowing passengers to tip their driver with…Read More
Jun 23 Travel Tipping Etiquette Quiz By Diane Gottsman Tipping Etiquette Diane Gottsman answers your vacation tipping questions. This segment aired on WOAI Channel 4 San Antonio Living.Read More
Jun 23 Do I Tip the Dog Groomer? By Diane Gottsman Tipping Etiquette If you're a pet owner, you're likely on a first-name basis with your local groomer, particularly if you own a…Read More
Jun 23 How To Effectively (and Politely) Work With a Home Contractor By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, My husband says I’m too pushy when it comes to working with our contractor and his employees who…Read More
Jun 22 Travel Tipping Etiquette By Diane Gottsman Tipping Etiquette Tipping can be confusing under the best of circumstances. Add air travel, hotel stays and ground transportation and you can…Read More
Jun 16 Courtesy in Office Cubicles By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I work in tight quarters and am looking for some ideas on how to maintain a productive work…Read More
Jun 09 Staying Productive While Looking for a Job By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I have been looking for a job since I graduated in December. I have yet to find a…Read More
Jun 02 How to Dress at a Summer Wedding By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, My brother is getting married on July 1st. There will be an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception. I…Read More
May 24 Parking Etiquette: Anonymous Windshield Notes By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I live in an apartment complex where we have assigned parking. My neighbor always parks too close on…Read More
May 11 Asking for Time Off in the Summer By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I've been with my job for a little less than a year and I would like to take…Read More
May 09 Mother’s Day Gift for Daughters By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I recently watched a television segment where you mention a Mother’s Day gift for daughters. Is this something…Read More
May 05 Should Bridesmaids Wear White? By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I have heard that the only person who can wear white to the wedding is the bride. I…Read More
May 01 Travel Smart on Your Next Business Trip By Diane Gottsman Business Etiquette From overweight suitcases to oozing shampoo bottles, packing mishaps are common for many travelers. Whether you’re commuting for business, pleasure…Read More
Apr 28 How to Quit Your Job Without Burning a Bridge By Diane Gottsman Business Etiquette It can be tough to find your dream profession; millennials know this first hand. Young professionals finding their calling frequently…Read More
Apr 26 Table Setting Diagram By Diane Gottsman Business Etiquette Sharing a meal with a valuable client or trusted industry resource is a good way to break bread and cement…Read More
Apr 25 How to Get Your Emails Read By Diane Gottsman Business Etiquette Everyone knows the frustration of an overflowing inbox. Given the sheer volume of messages, most people simply can't read them…Read More
Apr 24 How to Cancel a Wedding By Diane Gottsman Wedding Etiquette You have purchased the beautiful white dress and heels but suddenly your walk down the aisle has taken a detour.…Read More
Apr 22 Destination Wedding Etiquette By Diane Gottsman Wedding Etiquette Whether sailing the ocean blue or traveling to a distant land, a destination wedding may be in your future. Before…Read More
Apr 20 Social Media at a Wedding for Guests By Diane Gottsman Wedding Etiquette Whether traveling to a distant country or cruising the ocean blue, a destination wedding may be in your future. Before…Read More
Apr 18 Properly Storing Your Winter Clothing By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, Now that Spring is here it's time to switch out my winter work clothing for lighter fabrics,…Read More
Apr 18 Wedding Etiquette 101 – Planning your Wedding By Diane Gottsman Wedding Etiquette Planning your big wedding day is no small feat. Between selecting the perfect invitation to finding the right vendors, the…Read More
Apr 05 Removing Shoes at House Parties By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I was recently invited to a house party. When I arrived, the host asked me to remove…Read More
Mar 29 Leaving a First Impression that Leads to a Second Chance By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I have always heard that first impressions matter. I am wondering how important they really are when it…Read More
Mar 20 5 Traits of a Great Virtual Assistant By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I am considering hiring an extra set of hands for my company. I have been told by many…Read More
Mar 09 How to Write an Effective Cover Letter By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I am interviewing for a new job and am finding it difficult to write a cover letter without…Read More
Feb 24 Email Etiquette: How to Address Names in Emails By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I recently received an email from someone who addressed me as Mr., when I am a female with…Read More
Feb 16 How to Thrive in the World of Online Dating By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I am 23, recently out of a two year relationship and looking to put myself back out there.…Read More
Feb 03 Helping a Friend Through a Breakup By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, One of my best friends has been dating a guy for almost three years. They recently broke up…Read More
Jan 18 Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I’ve been dating a guy for almost three months, and I’m curious about Valentine’s Day which is…Read More
Dec 15 Accepting Criticism By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I recently started working for a company that offers an extensive training program. During the training, we were…Read More
Mar 31 Wedding Gift Etiquette By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, After tying the knot several months ago, my husband and I are finally getting around to organizing the…Read More
Mar 25 Easter Dining Etiquette: Gravy Boat Dilemma By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, Easter is in a few days, and I always get stumped when I serve gravy from my grandmother’s…Read More
Mar 15 Office Etiquette: Why Can’t We Be Friends? By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, I was recently brought in to assist the accounting department for a large manufacturing business. Since joining the…Read More
Mar 07 Wedding Etiquette: Can I Opt for a Cash Bar? By Diane Gottsman Ask the Etiquette Expert Dear Diane, My fiancé and I are in the process of reviewing several catering options for our wedding this summer.…Read More