Etiquette isn’t just about fancy table manners and knowing which fork to use—it’s about basic respect, consideration, and social awareness. While younger generations tend to view some of these traditional etiquette rules as outdated, many of them were actually just about being a decent, thoughtful human. If we brought these habits back, the world might feel a little more considerate again.
1. RSVPing Instead Of Just Showing Up
There was a time when receiving an invitation meant you actually had to respond. Whether it was a wedding, a dinner party, or even a casual gathering, people understood that RSVPing wasn’t just a formality—it was a way to show respect for the host’s time and effort. As reported by The Emily Post Institute, “RSVPs still matter! Very much so. While no one is obligated to accept an invitation or to explain the reasons for not accepting, you do have an obligation to let your host whether or not you will attend.”
Today, too many people treat invites as open-ended and decide last minute whether they’ll show up. Worse, some don’t respond at all, leaving hosts guessing how much food to prepare or how many seats to arrange. Bringing back the habit of responding with a clear yes or no—and sticking to it—would make planning events far less stressful for everyone involved.
2. Bringing A Gift When You’re Invited To Someone’s Home
There was a time when you wouldn’t dream of showing up to someone’s home empty-handed. Whether it was a dinner party, a holiday gathering, or even just a casual visit, guests would bring a bottle of wine, flowers, or a small token of appreciation.
Lifestyle and etiquette expert Elaine Swann explains, “It gives you the opportunity to show your gratitude in a more tangible manner. It’s easy to say ‘thank you’ — it doesn’t cost anything to say that, and we should all say it. But when you put forth the effort, whether you order something to be delivered before you arrive or you bring it in your hand, it lets the host know that you thought of them outside of them taking care of you.”
These days, that tradition has fallen by the wayside, and many people show up without so much as a thank-you. It’s not about spending money—it’s about acknowledging the effort your host put into inviting you into their space. Even a simple card or a homemade treat can go a long way in showing gratitude.
3. Not Calling Someone After 9 PM Unless It’s An Emergency
Before texting and instant messaging, people had a general rule: you don’t call someone late at night unless it’s truly urgent. Phones weren’t always attached to people’s hands, and an unexpected late-night call could be intrusive. The National Sleep Foundation suggests that maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for overall health and well-being. Respecting others’ personal time, especially in the evening, can contribute to better sleep habits and reduced stress levels.
Now, with smartphones allowing 24/7 access, the concept of personal time has eroded. People think nothing of calling or messaging at all hours, expecting immediate responses. Bringing back the courtesy of respecting personal time—especially in the evening—would help set much-needed boundaries and reduce unnecessary stress.
4. Refilling The Gas Tank Before Returning Someone’s Car
Borrowing someone’s car used to come with an unspoken rule: if you drive it, you refill the tank before giving it back. It was a simple act of respect, ensuring that the owner wasn’t inconvenienced by having to fill up right after you used it. According to AAA, it’s considered good etiquette to return a borrowed car with at least as much fuel as it had when you received it. This simple gesture shows respect for the owner and ensures they aren’t inconvenienced when they next use their vehicle.
Today, people are much more casual about borrowing things, sometimes even returning cars with less gas than they started with. It’s a small but meaningful gesture that shows responsibility and appreciation. Bringing this practice back would make borrowing and lending feel a lot more respectful.
5. Not Calling Someone By Their First Name Unless Invited To
In the past, addressing someone by their last name—especially elders or authority figures—was standard practice. You didn’t just assume you could call someone by their first name unless they invited you to do so. It was a way of showing respect and acknowledging their position or seniority.
Today, many people jump straight to first names, sometimes even using nicknames without permission. While casual conversation has its place, bringing back a little more formality in certain settings—like the workplace or when meeting someone new—could go a long way in fostering mutual respect.
6. Dressing Up In Your Sunday Best
There was a time when going to church, a special event, or even a dinner out meant dressing in your finest attire. People took pride in looking polished and presentable, understanding that how you dressed showed respect for the occasion and the people around you.
These days, casual wear dominates, and it’s not uncommon to see people in pajamas at the grocery store or wearing sweatpants to a wedding. While comfort has its place, bringing back the habit of dressing appropriately for the occasion would help maintain a sense of occasion and respect for shared spaces.
7. Letting People Get Off The Elevator Before You Barge In
Elevator etiquette used to be simple: you wait for people to exit before you try to get in. It’s basic logic—people need space to leave before new passengers can enter. Unfortunately, impatience has taken over, and now it’s common to see people pushing their way in before letting anyone out.
Bringing back the simple act of waiting a few extra seconds would make using public spaces much smoother. It’s a small habit, but it shows awareness and courtesy, making daily interactions feel less chaotic and more respectful.
8. Chewing With Your Mouth Closed
Believe it or not, there was a time when table manners were taken seriously, and one of the most basic rules was chewing with your mouth closed. No one wanted to see (or hear) what someone else was eating, and making excessive noise at the dinner table was considered rude.
Now, many people seem to have abandoned this simple rule, treating mealtime like a free-for-all. Bringing back basic table manners isn’t about being overly formal—it’s about making shared meals more pleasant for everyone at the table.
9. Standing Up To Greet Someone When They Enter The Room
It used to be common courtesy to stand up when someone entered the room, especially if they were an elder, a guest, or someone being introduced for the first time. This wasn’t about formality—it was about acknowledging their presence and showing respect.
Now, many people stay glued to their phones or barely look up when someone walks in. It may seem like a small thing, but standing up to greet someone creates an atmosphere of warmth and respect. It shows that you recognize their presence and value their time. Bringing this back would make social interactions feel more intentional and appreciative.
10. Giving Up Your Seat For Elderly Or Pregnant People
In the past, if an elderly person, a pregnant woman, or someone with a disability boarded public transportation, it was an unspoken rule that younger, able-bodied individuals would immediately offer up their seat. It wasn’t about doing anything grand—it was just basic decency.
Unfortunately, that expectation has faded. People are now more likely to be buried in their phones, oblivious to those who might need a seat more. While some still practice this, it’s not as widespread as it used to be. Bringing this habit back would make public spaces more inclusive and show that kindness and awareness still matter.
11. Returning Borrowed Items In The Same (Or Better) Condition
Borrowing used to come with an unspoken responsibility: if you took something, you returned it in the same condition—or better. If you borrowed a car, you filled up the gas. If you borrowed a book, you made sure not to crease the pages. If you took someone’s dish after a dinner party, you returned it with some baked goods as a thank-you.
Now, borrowing often feels like a gamble. Many people take things without thinking about how they’ll return them, sometimes even “forgetting” to give them back altogether. Reintroducing this simple act of responsibility would make lending feel less like a burden and more like an act of trust.
12. Waiting Until Everyone Is Served Before Digging In
It used to be common practice to wait until everyone had their food before taking a bite. This wasn’t just about table manners—it was about being considerate and ensuring that no one felt left out.
Now, with people constantly rushing and distracted by their screens, this simple courtesy has started to disappear. People dive into their meals as soon as their plate hits the table, sometimes even before others have been served. Bringing back this practice would make meals feel more communal and respectful, reinforcing the idea that dining together is about shared experience, not just individual consumption.
13. Writing A Heartfelt Apology Instead Of Just Saying “My Bad”
In previous generations, when someone made a mistake, they put real effort into apologizing. A verbal “sorry” was fine for minor slip-ups, but if they hurt someone, they wrote letters, made phone calls, or had heartfelt conversations to make things right.
Today, apologies are often rushed, half-hearted, or reduced to a quick text message. Worse, some people avoid apologizing altogether, acting as if time alone should erase hurt feelings. Taking the time to craft a genuine apology—one that acknowledges what happened and expresses real remorse—would go a long way in repairing relationships and showing accountability.
14. Knocking Before Entering A Room, Even At Home
Privacy and respect used to be fundamental, even within a household. People knocked before entering a room, even when it was just a sibling or parent behind the door. It was a way of acknowledging personal space and allowing people a sense of autonomy, even in shared environments.
Now, barging in unannounced has become common, with many people assuming that close relationships negate the need for this basic courtesy. Bringing back the habit of knocking before entering—even at home—helps reinforce boundaries and respect between family members and roommates alike.
15. Keeping Your Word—If You Say You’ll Be There, Show Up
Back in the day, if someone said they would be somewhere, they showed up. Flaking wasn’t the norm, and canceling at the last minute (without a real reason) was considered inconsiderate. People understood that making plans meant committing to them.
Now, with the convenience of texting, last-minute cancellations have become the norm. People say yes to plans only to back out at the last second, leaving others scrambling or disappointed. Reviving the habit of following through on commitments would bring back a much-needed sense of reliability and accountability in relationships.
