Social Etiquette Rules We Should All Be Following

The magazine "Country Living" posted a list of social etiquette rules we don't pay enough attention to these days. Here are the best ones broken down into five categories.

First there's the classic things that people used to to like always saying please and thank you and holding the door for people. Try hard to be on time and send handwritten thank-you notes. Also bring food to people, like when there's a new neighbor or someone passes away.

Then they hit on phone etiquette: Step away to answer a call. Look at someone when they're talking to you, not your phone. Mute your ringtone when you're at a movie, or anywhere else it might annoy people. Return phone calls as soon as possible.

When you're out in public wear decent clothes, not pajama bottoms. Don't swear, especially around kids. Always use your turn signal while driving and wait for people to get out of an elevator or subway car before you get in.

For parties and events: Always RSVP right away. Ask before you bring a guest. Always show up with a gift, like a bottle of wine or an appetizer. Avoid controversial topics, like politics or religion.

Lastly there's meal etiquette: Wait until everyone has their food before you start eating. Have good table manners, like putting a napkin on your lap and chewing with your mouth closed. And always push your chair in when you leave the table.