Interview With an Etiquette Consultant
The most recent interview was more of a quiz, which made for a lively
segment. Of course, I would have loved to have begun by emphasizing
what is most important: people over gifts. Many times, grads – and
their parents – place too much focus on gifts and not enough on their
guests. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, I only had time to
quiz my favorite anchors.
It
was a very enjoyable segment, and I was able to stump both
anchors. Read on to see if you do any better with your answers.
Question
number one: For whom may I host a graduation party?
A. Kindergarten,
high school, and middle school graduation
B. Only
for traditional benchmark graduations, like high school and college
C. Only
for high school grads
I
bet you knew the correct answer to that question. Most of us realize
that graduation parties are most appropriate for those benchmark graduations. Consequently,
the answer is “B”. Bravo to all those who answered correctly!
Question
number two: As a parent of a graduate, how may I ask for cash or gift cards?
A. List
gift requests on the invitation
B. We
never ask for cash or gift cards
C. Ask
a friend to spread the word about gift preferences
A
graduation party isn’t necessarily a gift-giving event. I
realize that may seem a bit harsh, but it’s true. Often those who
aren’t very close to the grad, like neighbors, are invited to these
events. They shouldn’t feel obligated to give a
gift. They are attending, basically, to display their support of the
graduate—to congratulate him or her. Out of a feeling of obligation,
close family typically do give gifts. However, no one is obligated
to give anything, besides his or her well wishes. Thus, the correct
answer is “B”.
Question number three: Do parents have to invite all their child's friends?
A. No
B. Yes
C. Only
invite close friends
More
than likely, all the graduate’s friends will have parties as
well. So, there is no need to invite all his or her
friends to the party. Invite whomever you wish. The
correct answer is “A”.
Question number four: What should I give the grad—does it have to be cash?
A. Give
gifts that could help the graduate--No, cash isn’t
necessary
B. Cash
is the only gift
C. Give
cash, but only in $50 increments
This
one should be simple after reading the answer to number
two. However, some people do believe that cash is king, especially
when the recipient is a graduate. This just isn’t true. A
gift, if given should be thoughtful and something you genuinely think will help
him or her. That may or may not be cash—your
choice. Thus, the correct answer is “A”.
I
hope all of you did well on my little quiz! For those of you
graduating, congratulations!
What are your thoughts?
Please
Read
How Children Are Teaching Their
Parents Manners
Everyday
Manners: Middle Schoolers Teach Us About Manners
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