15 Ways Social Etiquette Has Changed Over the Years

There is a significant contrast between the etiquette rules of social behavior in the past and those in the present. Changes in people’s codes of conduct reflect broader societal shifts. In this context, alterations in communication styles, notions of proper and improper behavior, and patterns of social interaction serve as indicators of cultural change. Over time, modifications to the rules of social conduct have been made to adapt to the values of each new generation.

Greeting Changes

How we greet people has evolved from formal handshakes and bows to informal fist bumps or even virtual greetings. Previously, shaking hands was among the most essential gestures as a sign of respect. Yet, in the present world, people are pretty comfortable with casual or even distant greetings, including not touching; they are now more aware of other people’s privacy and personal space.

Dress Codes

Dress codes have become increasingly lenient over the years. While earlier, one had to wear formal and dresses for almost any occasion, today, one can get away with wearing nearly anything. The idea of “business casual” has evolved; people can be comfortable but still professional, and the standards of what is appropriate no longer belong to the category of “appropriateness.”

Digital Etiquette

As technology continues to grow, so has the idea of digital contact, and with it comes its own set of etiquette. Before, people only had the chance to write a letter to someone they didn’t meet often, and talking to someone directly was ordinary. Today, people communicate mainly via e-mail, text messages, and social networks, so recognizing when to answer, write, and behave on the screen is a new kind of social skill.

Table Manners

People followed some rules for table manners many years ago related to how to eat, which utensils to use, how to position the body, and the sequence of the meal. Some of these norms are strictly followed, while others have been lenient in recent years to what is now known as modern table manners. Many people today can now take meals in casual dining, buffets, and finger foods as more people have embraced fewer stringent rules in eating.

Gender Roles

Before now, social norms held men in power; for example, men could open the door for women or pay for the dates. These norms have changed dramatically and shifted more towards equality in relations in society and the workplace. While men and women had different roles in public in the past, today, both are equal, and polite behaviors are based on respect for each other.

RSVP Invitations

In the past, accepting or declining an invitation was admirable, and there had to be a genuine reason for declining an invitation. While it is still correct to RSVP, people are more forgiving in how they reply, especially given that communication is now hardly a physical process. Previously, people used to express formal regrets or apologies for not attending an event, and casual invitations dictated that the recipient must reply. Still, the latter is no longer the case.

Public Behavior

The rules for conduct in public spaces have become less stringent with time. Before, certain conducts were expected to be adhered to in the public domain; people were not supposed to listen to music or speak indifferently on a bus. Although certain behaviors are regarded as improper today, the distinction between the public and the private has been altered.

Gifting Norms

This social practice of giving and receiving presents has always existed, but the etiquette has shifted and has some new rules. What was previously seen as offering expensive items during specific events has evolved into offering meaningful gifts or even emotions over pricey stuff. Additionally, such people find it relatively easy to buy into the idea of not having to give gifts and instead spending more time with their families and friends.

Conversation Topics

Discourses that were hitherto banned in many contexts have become part of the talk of the day. In previous decades, issues related to politics, religion, and money were generally not discussed in public. But there are still some topics that can be considered exceptionally provocative. There are still some subjects that one needs to be careful about, such as emphasizing the values of tolerance and mental health and accepting everyone as they are in today’s society.

Punctual Demeanor

Earlier, people were once very punctual, and anyone who came late was considered rude; in almost every aspect, punctuality was a virtue. Today, there is more freedom, especially in the casual context. Punctuality is as important, but the rules are not very strict, and people are more compassionate about the unavoidable circumstances around us. However, in the workplace, punctuality has not become unfashionable at all.

Workplace Formality

The workplace has become much more relaxed over the years, especially when it comes to communication and dress code. Once, it was all about strict suits and formal greetings, but now, many places have embraced a more laid-back vibe. Business casual and open communication are widely accepted now, showing how work culture has shifted to be more inclusive and flexible. Today, it’s less about rigid formality and more about fostering productivity and teamwork in a comfortable setting.

Phone Manners

Smartphones have brought a shift in the culture of using phones. Previously, it was not suitable to answer a call while in the public domain; if one did, it was considered rude. Mobile phones are a part of life, and a phone call or a text message in public is no longer considered taboo. Still, new rules are also in place, like turning off your phone during meetings, theatres, or important talks to give a proper context of connection without intrusion.

Thank-You Notes

Thank you notes used to be written by hand and were expected to be sent following almost any social or professional occasion. Nowadays, gratitude can be expressed in a much more informal manner. It has become more common for people to type a short message or an e-mail or even use emojis to say thank you. However, the idea of saying ‘thank you’ has not become obsolete; conversely, people have to know how they can express their gratitude using new tools.

Wedding Etiquette

In the past, wedding customs seemed quite rigid, especially when it came to gifts and dress codes. However, things have become different now. Marriages today are much laxer, and the focus has shifted from strict familial and societal expectations to more flexible ways to accommodate guests. Today’s etiquette prioritizes the comfort and preferences of the couple, focusing on creating memorable celebrations.

Personal Space Awareness

The idea of personal space has evolved over time as individuals are now more aware of the importance of allowing each other space to feel comfortable and respected in public settings compared to before when people tended to stand closer to each other without much thought about whether it was considered respectful or not. These changes have become more prominent following recent worldwide health crises, emphasizing the significance of honoring personal boundaries. People have come to understand that being mindful of space shows consideration for others and fosters smoother social interactions for everyone.

Some years ago, something perceived as official or obligatory became more casual and liberal. Knowing these alterations and conforming to today’s social norms will help us respect other people and be polite in today’s society, even though we are living in an advanced world. As this world keeps on changing, it is safe to presume that other social norms will also change in the same way as culture, technology, and interaction change.

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This article was first published at Rbitaliablog.