Tag: etiquette

I'm trying to get better at small talk at work events. What openers do you use that feel natural and spark real conversation?

I'm not great at confrontation & and my neighbor often pops over without texting first. I don't want to be rude, but it's starting to stress me out when I'm in the middle of work or downtime. What's a kind way to set a clear boundary that won't cause hard feelings? (Context: I'm hoping for practical tips or "this worked for me" style answers.)

I like my in-laws, but our place is small and my cat judges everyone from the highest shelf. We're planning a visit and trying to set a length that feels kind without turning our living room into a long-term campsite. They're early risers; we're night owls, and we both work from home on weekdays. What's a reasonable cap—like two nights max—before everyone needs a breather? Bonus points for polite scripts that keep it warm while still giving our cat her throne back.

I'm planning a small dinner for six and I'm a bit nervous about getting it right because two guests are vegetarian and one is gluten-free. I'd like to make something that feels cohesive instead of a bunch of separate plates so no one feels singled out. My kitchen is tiny, my budget is moderate, and I only have about two hours total for prep the day of. I really want it to be relaxed, but I tend to overthink and worry about accidentally excluding someone. What kinds of menus or serving formats (like build-your-own) work well here without turning it into a chaotic potluck? And any polite wording for asking about cross-contamination or hidden ingredients without making it awkward would be appreciated.