What do we celebrate on Veterans' Day in the United States?

 On Nov 11th , we in the United States celebrate “Veterans Day” which was established by Congress in 1938 but was initially named “Armistice Day” as it grew out of the Armistice that ended the First World War on November 11th, 1918.

Congress amended the bill on June 1, 1954, replacing "Armistice" with "Veterans," and it has been known as Veterans Day since then.

In the spirit of encouraging #patrioticmanners, let me remind you that Veterans Day is a day to honor all U.S. military veterans, living or deceased, who have served honorably in the military forces. 

It celebrates living veterans and honor deceased ones for their service. 
On Veterans Day, let's say "Thank you for your service and sacrifice" to all the veterans we know. It is a Thankful and Celebratory day!

Active members of the armed forces are not considered "Veterans". 
Legally, a veteran is defined as a person who served in any of the branches of the forces and was honorably discharged from service.


#happyveteransday  #thankyouforyourservice  #freedomisnotfree . May #godblessamerica today and always.  #etiquetaexcellencemanners #etiquettecoach #yvonnesalas #etiquetaexcellence #kindness #gratitude #veterans #veteransday #patrioticmanners #mannersmatter #etiquette #diadelosveteranos #veteranos

Etiquette Rules for Accepting Recognitions and Awards

 

 

Is There an Etiquette Rule for Accepting Recognitions and Awards?

Yvonne Salas receives recognition from Broward College

For many successful professional and businesswomen, receiving a recognition can sometimes be the very moment when Impostor Syndrome takes over. Instead of embracing the acknowledgment, we begin questioning our accomplishments, downplaying our contributions, or feeling that we don't quite deserve the recognition.

Throughout my work as an etiquette instructor, I always emphasize the importance of learning how to accept compliments gracefully. And a public recognition or award is, in essence, a compliment to our efforts, dedication, and accomplishments.

So, what is the most important etiquette rule I can share?

Never disqualify yourself!

Never minimize the value of the achievement for which you are being recognized. When you respond to an award by saying, "Oh, I really don't deserve this," or "It was nothing special," you may unintentionally leave the person or organization presenting the award wondering whether they made the right choice.

The same principle applies to everyday interactions. When a friend or colleague compliments your hard work, your presentation, or even your new haircut, resist the temptation to dismiss the compliment or immediately point out your shortcomings.

Simply smile and say, "Thank you! I truly appreciate it."

That is all the acknowledgment required. You don't need to explain, justify, or diminish the compliment.

Remember, there is a beautiful balance between humility and self-confidence. Being humble does not mean making yourself smaller or overlooking your own worth.

So, the next time you receive an award, recognition, or even a simple compliment, accept it graciously. Own your accomplishments, celebrate your efforts, and allow yourself to enjoy the moment.

You have earned the right to be recognized. Wear that crown with confidence! 👑

#EtiquetaExcellence #ProfessionalEtiquette #WomenInBusiness #LeadershipSkills #ImpostorSyndrome #ExecutivePresence #Confidence #SocialEtiquette

 

MAHJONG HEALTH ETIQUETTE FOR FLU SEASON

🀄️ MAHJONG HEALTH ETIQUETTE FOR FLU SEASON 🀄️

Let’s share the fun, snacks, and tiles—but not the germs! 💕

Good etiquette means looking out for one another. A few simple precautions can help keep our Mahjong game nights healthy, happy, and enjoyable for everyone!

🌸 4 HEALTHY HABITS FOR GIRLS

GAME NIGHT

1️⃣ Wash Your Hands 🧼
Wash your hands before the game begins, especially before handling tiles and snacks.

2️⃣ Keep Snacks Personal 🍇
Serve individual snack bowls instead of sharing. Let’s keep our fingers—and germs—to ourselves!

3️⃣ Keep Your Hands Away from Your Face 🤧
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth while playing. Remember to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.

4️⃣ Stay Home When You’re Sick ❤️
If you have flu symptoms or aren't feeling well, the most considerate move is to sit this game out. Your friends will be happy to see you when you're feeling better!

✨ A LITTLE COURTESY GOES A LONG WAY!

Healthy habits are good manners, too. Let's protect our Mahjong friends while keeping the laughter, friendship, and fun going!

🀄️ Play smart. Play graciously. Play healthy!

#MahjongEtiquette #MahjongFriends #HealthyHabits #MahjongNight #GoodManners #EtiquetteExcellence #SocialEtiquette

Patriotic Manners - beyond fireworks and parades

 

Patriotic Manners: Showing Love for Your Country Through Respect, Responsibility, and Kindness

By Yvonne Salas

When people think about patriotism, they often picture flags waving proudly, fireworks lighting up the sky, or parades honoring our nation's history. While these traditions are meaningful, true patriotism is also reflected in something much simpler: the way we treat others every day.

Teaching children patriotic manners means helping them understand that love for one's country goes beyond words and celebrations. It is demonstrated through respect, responsibility, kindness, gratitude, and active participation in our communities.

Good manners and good citizenship are deeply connected. When children learn to show respect for others, care for public spaces, obey rules, volunteer in their communities, and appreciate the freedoms they enjoy, they are practicing patriotism in its most authentic form.

Celebrate National Holidays with Purpose

National holidays, such as this upcoming “Flag Day” celebrated on June 14^th,  offer wonderful opportunities to teach values, history, and gratitude. Instead of focusing only on decorations or festivities, families can make these occasions meaningful learning experiences.

Simple ideas include:

• Reading together about the significance and history of the holiday.
• Visiting local memorials or historical landmarks.
• Watching community parades and discussing their meaning.
• Talking about the values represented by the occasion, such as courage, sacrifice, service, and unity.
• Expressing gratitude for the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy.

These conversations help children understand that patriotic celebrations are about honoring the people and principles that have shaped our nation.

Create Family Patriotism Traditions

Children learn best through consistent experiences at home. Small traditions practiced throughout the year can leave a lasting impact and strengthen both family values and civic responsibility.

Consider creating traditions such as:

• A monthly family service project that benefits your local community.
• Learning about an American inventor, leader, scientist, or humanitarian each month.
• Visiting museums, historical sites, and cultural landmarks together.
• Displaying the American flag respectfully during national holidays and teaching proper flag etiquette.
• Keeping a family gratitude journal that highlights appreciation for community helpers, freedoms, and opportunities.

These simple activities reinforce that patriotism is lived through action, not just celebrated on special occasions.

Everyday Patriotism Starts with Everyday Manners

Saying "please" and "thank you," respecting differences, helping a neighbor, caring for public property, and showing responsibility at school are all habits that contribute to stronger communities.

When children understand that kindness, integrity, honesty, and service are forms of civic responsibility, they begin to see themselves as active contributors to the future of their country.

Patriotism is not reserved for holidays or ceremonies. It is reflected in the choices we make every day and in the values we pass on to the next generation.

By teaching patriotic manners, we are not simply raising polite children—we are nurturing respectful citizens, compassionate neighbors, and responsible future leaders who understand that love for country begins with love and respect for the people around them.

The future of our nation is shaped not only by what children know, but by how they choose to live, serve, and treat others every single day.

 

Raising Confident Tween Girls- Social Skills and Manners

 

Raising Confident Tween Girls: The Most Important Manners for Tween Girls in 2026 & How Parents Can Teach Them

Parenting a tween girl today comes with new challenges, but also incredible opportunities. As our world becomes more digital and fast-paced, social skills and good manners remain essential foundations for confidence, emotional intelligence, and healthy relationships. In 2026, parents are increasingly looking for effective ways to help their daughters navigate friendships, school environments, and online spaces with grace and kindness.

To support today’s families, I created the Digital Tween Girls Social Skills Journal, available in my Etsy shop. This guided workbook is designed to help tween girls (ages 8–12) build the communication skills, etiquette awareness, and self-confidence they need to thrive—both in person and online.

Parents can use a guide

on the most important manners for tween girls in 2026 and the best parenting strategies to teach those social skills, along with how a journal can help reinforce these lessons at home.

How the Digital Tween Girls Social Skills Journal Helps

This printable etiquette and social-skills workbook was created to make learning manners fun and meaningful for tween girls. Inside, your daughter will find:

• Guided reflection questions
• Real-life etiquette scenarios
• Social-skills activities
• Confidence-building prompts
• Cute, girly designs that make learning enjoyable

Parents can use the journal as a teaching tool to start positive conversations, practice manners more consistently, and help their daughter grow into a poised, confident young lady.

Final Thoughts

The world your daughter is growing up in is constantly changing, but one thing remains timeless: good manners and strong social skills never go out of style. By teaching the most important manners for tween girls in 2026 and using the best parenting strategies to develop these social skills, you're giving your child a foundation that will benefit her for a lifetime.

If you’d like a beautiful, guided resource to support your daughter on this journey, explore the Digital Tween Girls Social Skills Journal in my Etsy shop. It’s a gentle, empowering way to build confidence, kindness, and real-world etiquette—one page at a time.

 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/EtiquetteExcellence

Showing up with Uninvited Guests

 When an Invitation Isn’t for Everyone: Why Uninvited Guests (and Pets) Shouldn’t Tag Along

Imagine this.

You’ve spent the week preparing your home for friends who are coming to stay over the weekend. Fresh linens are on the bed, groceries are stocked, and you’ve planned a few meals and outings that you know your guests will enjoy. Everything is ready.

Then the doorbell rings.

Your friends arrive—along with someone you’ve never met… and their dog. Suddenly, the quiet weekend you envisioned feels very different. Sleeping arrangements don’t work, the extra guest has dietary restrictions you didn’t plan for, and your neighbor (who already dislikes barking) is now giving you side glances across the fence.

Your smile stays polite, but inside, you feel caught off guard.

 

Why It Feels Disrespectful

While the extra guest or pet might seem harmless to the person who brought them, to the host it can feel like an intrusion. When someone invites you into their home, it’s not the same as inviting you to a public event. They’ve considered space, time, and energy for you.

Adding another person or animal changes the entire dynamic. It may stretch the household budget, overwhelm a carefully planned weekend, or make other guests uncomfortable. And let’s not forget allergies, safety concerns, or even house rules that are disrupted without warning.

At its heart, showing up with an uninvited guest or pet sends a message—intentional or not—that the host’s boundaries don’t matter.

The Graceful Alternative

If you’ve been invited to a weekend stay but feel you can only attend if you bring someone else (or your pet), the considerate step is simple: ask first.

A host may happily say, “Of course, bring them along!” Or they may hesitate because it truly doesn’t work for their household. If that’s the case, the gracious thing to do is either make alternate arrangements for your guest/pet—or politely decline the invitation.

Either way, you’ve respected your host’s effort and maintained the trust that makes hospitality possible.

Good Manners Make Good Memories

The best weekend visits are the ones where both guest and host feel comfortable, relaxed, and appreciated. That happens when we arrive as invited—no more, no less—ready to enjoy the gift of someone opening their home to us.

So the next time you receive a warm weekend invitation, remember: the kindest way to say “thank you” is by showing up just as expected—without surprises, without extras, and with plenty of gratitude.

Social Etiquette for Professional Success