Text A The Importance of Etiquette Etiquette is a set of practices and forms which are followed in a wide variety of situations; many people consider it to be a branch of decorum , or general social behavior. Each society has its own distinct etiquette, and various cultures within a society also have their own rules and social norm s. Learning etiquette can be very challenging for people who are new to a particular culture, and even old hands sometimes have a rough time. The rules of etiquette govern how people behave. For example, the concept of greeting people politely and with respect is common to the etiquette of many cultures, although the way in which that respect is expressed may vary. In some Asian countries, for example, people may bow or clasp their hands together when greeting someone, while in the United States, people often shake hands, or hug each other in some subcultures. It is safe to assume that there is an etiquette rule for pretty much every situation one might encounter, from meeting the President of the United States to politely declining a meal in the Middle East. Because the social norms of different cultures are so different, many people study etiquette before traveling or entering a new social circle to ensure that they do not cause offense or embarrass themselves. Having social grace means that you can maneuver through any situation with ease; whether you are in an interview or on a dinner date you will have confidence and put your companion at ease. A great example of how it feels not to know proper etiquette is in the movie Pretty Woman . Remember when Julia Roberts wasn’t sure how to use her appetizer utensil? She was visibly unsure of herself, and she had to look around at the other diners to figure out what to do. You can save yourself this embarrassment by becoming well versed in social etiquette. Obviously, proper etiquette is important in a social setting, but it is crucial in a business setting. In order to achieve business success, you must be able to adapt to ever-changing situations and act with confidence. Displaying proper etiquette will get you noticed and, obviously, being noticed is great for business! The consequences of lapse s in etiquette may vary. At a minimum, someone might feel slightly awkward, and the people present at the time of the lapse might form an unfavorable impression of the offender. At worst, a lapse in etiquette could cost you a friendship or a job, and in some regions of the world, a serious breach could cost you your life. Depending on the culture you are in, people may be happy to answer questions about basic etiquette for you before you enter a potentially hazardous social situation, and people are usually amenable to apologies, especially when they are made promptly. By treating people as respectfully as you know how and by using common sense, you will probably avoid most perilous etiquette related situations. However, if you are planning to enter an unfamiliar culture, whether it’s in another country or the military, it pays to do research. It is especially important to review such guides if you plan to travel in Asia or the Middle East, as it is very easy to thoughtlessly cause offense, potentially generating a big social rift. The rules of proper etiquette and protocol have been around for years, but they are far more important in this day and age than ever before. Implementing proper etiquette and protocol skills into everyday life should be habit for everyone – including children. After all, a person who displays proper etiquette not only feels good about himself, but also makes those around him feel important and respected. Choose the best one to complete the following sentences.