As we live our lives, we all seize each day differently by the constant changes in our society. In order to unlock the code of ethical behavior we must recognize and be aware of the changing patterns of modern living. Emily Post’s book Etiquette, originally copyrighted in 1922, advises each and every one of us that every detail in life counts. The details in one’s life are significant like the way we approach and greet people. We must look into our past to understand social behavior and how etiquette was implemented in the times before us.

When I was 22 years old (I'm 24 now), I didn’t think it would be a big deal if I introduced my female friend who is 26 years old to my younger male friend who is 22 years old. As embarrassed as I was when reading the book, I realized I had broken two of the three unbreakable rules of introduction.

Rule One

You never want to present a lady to a gentleman; it is done the other way even though she is no older than eighteen.

Rule Two

The other rule that I managed to break at the same time was presenting an older person to a younger person, the proper way is vice versa. (So much for trying to kill two birds with one stone.)

Rule Three

The third rule that is unbreakable in introductions is no woman is ever presented to a man, with the following exceptions: (1) to the President of the United States; (2) to members of a royal family or other political figures in society.


I’m sure in one point in every young adult’s life we greeted our friends by their first name to a group of friends, since informality is equally suitable to young adults and teenagers it is not of a big concern, but as we grow up we learn that first impressions are very important. Hypothetically, let us say you were in the White House on a tour and the president comes out from the Oval Office, how you would introduce your friend to Barrack Obama to make a good first impression for the both of you? It would obviously be different than to someone else; “Mr. President, I have the honor to present Mr. Smith” would be a great and proper introduction. “How’s it hanging Barrack? Oh by the way this is Craig Smith” would most likely, have Mr. Obama thinking “Who in the world does this guy think he is?! “  If I was Craig I would be ashamed of myself and most likely ask my friend Adam Goldberg what he was thinking. Now Craig would have to come up with an amazing farewell to Mr. Obama so that his reputation isn’t ruined, “It has been a great pleasure and I’m very glad to have met you Mr. Obama, please excuse my friend Mr. Goldberg.” You must embrace your reputation by knowing the true value of salutation.


Eugene Vodovoz is a graduate from DePaul University and has enthusiastically taken the project to talk about etiquette on George's blog.