Overview of Mrs. Johnson's Etiqutte Lesson - 06 APR 2010

First off, here is a link to the amazing book called Service Etiquette, 5th Edition on Amazon.com. You can get it for less than $30 with free shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591143578/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

These rules are by no means comprehensive of what we talked about. This was just what applied most to me, so I remember it:

• When asked to RSVP to an event, respond even if you aren't going to be able to go so the host/ess knows.
• It's a good idea to bring a hostess gift when you go to someone's house. IE, if you're invited to someone's home for dinner, bring a candle/bottle of (non alcoholic) wine/bouquet of flowers/other small item. The hostess is not required or expected to use this gift during the evening.
  
• You can regift items, just make sure you don't gift it back to the person who gave it to you.
• Always look good when you go to a function. When you look good, your husband looks good. First impressions are very hard to change. That doesn't mean show up to bowl at the ROTC closing social in a dress and high heels, but try to wear clean, pressed clothes. Earrings or conservative jewelry add a nice sparkle.

Some of the active duty stories we heard...

Mrs. Hopkinson:

• Roof stomping - your husband's squadron or flight mates will drop by unannounced and you have to have some kind of appetizer/food out within 15 minutes or they can get up and walk around on your roof. Sounds like fun. For quick recipes, see allrecipes.com and search appetizers.
• Tip for moving: if you can do a door-to-door move (your stuff gets on the truck at your old house and gets off at your new house, no storage), tip the driver extra if he can guarantee an door-to-door delivery.
  

Mrs. Johnson:

• They hung out with friends from church who also happened to be enlisted. Keep church and work separate to the point that you forget about one when active in the other.
• Tip for moving: If it's something you don't want to be broken, bring it with you. Sewing machines, computers, china, photos, jewelry, change of clothes and necessities for a few days in case there is a snag in the delivery, handmade ceramic pieces, keepsakes, whatever. Lock all those items in the car while the movers are packing you up.
  

Mrs. Hanks:

• Their family knew some cadets before they were cadets. Suddenly, she went from "Sister Hanks" to "Ma'am." Let the cadets be in training, don't force camaraderie. Same could apply to enlisted or lower ranking officers as you move through your Air Force career. If someone wants to call you "ma'am," it's a sign of respect and sometimes (if they're raised that way) an automated response. :) Go Southern girls!
• Tip for moving: Feed the movers. Borrow a crockpot if you want. Tell them right when they walk in the door that you have drinks for them (powerade, gatorade, lemonade, soda, water) in the kitchen and ask what time they want to have lunch. Splurge a little and get Brick Oven pizza or Carls' Jr or Five Guys Burgers. They're more likely to treat your stuff right if you treat them right. And don't hover over them or they will likely break something on purpose. :S It's ok and a good idea to supervise.