Awesome Etiquette

Hosts Lizzie Post and Daniel Post Senning answer audience questions about modern etiquette, offering advice grounded in consideration, respect, and honesty. As the great-great-grandchildren of Emily Post, cousins Dan and Lizzie look to the reasons behind traditional rules to guide their advice in a wide range of contemporary situations. Test your social acumen and join the discussion about civility and decency in today's complex world.

Kids & Family
Relationships
Self-Improvement
526
Episode #74: Gifts? Yes, Please!
A listener thinks that some gifts from guests would be nice at her party celebrating a milestone event in her life. But she’s worried that “no gifts, please” has become de rigueur on modern party invitations for adults.
36 min
527
Episode #73: Spoiler Alerts Spoiler Alert
It’s a question as old as cinema itself – how long does a movie have to have been out to be OK to talk about openly?
39 min
528
Episode #72: Whose Invitation Is It, Anyway?
A listener is torn over her invitation to the wedding of her son’s childhood friend. The boys had a fight, so her son isn’t invited, but the invitation came from the friend’s mother, whom the listener has been friends with for years.
36 min
529
Episode #71: Is It Pronounced PWNHAMMER?
A listener isn’t sure about the etiquette of hosting online friends for a meat space get-together, and whether or not it’s okay to use in-game names instead of real names.
37 min
530
Episode #70: I’ll Have What You’re Having On My...
Lizzie and Dan debate the complicated issue of a listener who was reprimanded for choosing the “wrong” slice of pizza after clearly saying he didn’t care which toppings were chosen.
41 min
531
Episode #69: Keeping It in the Family
A listener’s young son was confided in by a friend on some family business. Should the listener now reach out to the family during their hard time, or stay out of it?
35 min
532
Episode #68: It’s Not About You, It’s About My ...
After learning of an accidental pregnancy, a listener is worried about the judgment from people who had previously said she’d change her mind about not wanting to have children.
40 min
533
Episode #67: Shoes On or Shoes Off in the House?
Lizzie and Dan feature some of the extensive feedback they received on the great shoes on or off in the house debate. This one touched a nerve, and people offer some heartfelt perspectives from around the globe.
38 min
534
Episode #66: Awesome Holiday Etiquette
The holiday season can be a minefield when it comes to good behavior. Lizzie and Dan will talk with friends and special guests about etiquette throughout the season, including John Besh, Judith Hill, and Andrew Walsh.
53 min
535
Episode #65: ‘Tis the Season for Regifting
A listener writes in with one of the most blatant regifting stories ever told, spurring conversations about how to handle receiving a clearly regifted present, and how to avoid being tactless if you choose to do some regifting of your own.
38 min
536
Episode #64: Blood Is Not Thicker Than Facebook
A listener has been unfriended by a family member on social media. Lizzie and Dan talk about what that might mean, and what should be done (or not done) in response.
33 min
537
Episode #63: Holiday Party Obligations
Happy Thanksgiving! On the show this week, an introverted and socially awkward listener has been invited to, but doesn’t want to attend, several office holiday parties. Is she obligated to go? Lizzie and Dan talk about the social obligations of work events.
35 min
538
Episode #62: A Handshake Will Do
Lizzie and Dan field a question from a listener who is new to the professional world and is seeking advice for how to curtail the amount of hugs she gets at work. Especially from older male colleagues.
36 min
539
Episode #61: Sharing Difficult News
A listener has been diagnosed with aggressive cancer with a very poor prognosis. He wants to share the news with friends and family, but wants to know the best way to balance delivering potentially devastating personal news with compassion for those who will be receiving the message.
37 min
540
Episode #60: The Reluctant Host
Without her knowledge or consent, a listener is been drafted by her family to host a big holiday get-together! What’s the best way to host it this year, and how should she make sure it doesn’t happen again next year? Lizzie and Dan weigh in on the case of the reluctant host.
35 min
541
Episode #59: Is it Eavesdropping When You’re St...
A listener in a small shared office wonders who is being rude when her co-worker talks with friends in their workspace. Is it better to ignore, jump in, or ask them to leave? Dan an Lizzie weigh in on social conversations in the workplace.
38 min
542
Episode #58: Dirty Hands, Clean Kitchen
Lizzie and Dan advise a listener who feels strongly about germs and keeps a very clean kitchen, but is unsure how to politely get her guests to clean up before jumping in to help.
34 min
543
Episode #57: Denying Children the Joys of Giving
Lizzie and Dan are shocked to learn of a new trend popping up: parents withholding until Christmas their children’s birthday gifts from friends.
42 min
544
Episode #56: When Your Friend Sees Your Selfie ...
Your friends have had a bad breakup, but you’re still friends with both. And now one is getting married. Do you share the wonderful day on social media and celebrate one friend? Or protect the other friend and keep your timeline quiet? Lizzie and Dan talk through strategies on how to share the moments that could be tough for some in your social circle.
39 min
545
Episode #55: Mx Lizzie and Mx Dan
The Oxford English Dictionary has recently entered a new honorific (think of it as an alternative to Mr, Ms, or Mrs) into the English lexicon, and it has a lot of practical value. Lizzie and Dan unpack all the details behind this newly accepted way to address someone in a gender-neutral manner.
40 min
546
Episode #54: Swipe Left to Keep Work at Work
It’s a crash course on mixing work and pleasure in the digital age when a listener stumbles across a co-worker on a popular dating app. Lizzie and Dan talk them through all of the many ramifications of swiping right, swiping left, or not swiping at all.
32 min
547
Episode #53: The Short Questions Show
It’s a question-answering bonanza! Lizzie and Dan take on a whole bunch of your short questions and do their best to give short answers. They talk thank you notes, table manners, grooming at the table, AND SO MUCH MORE! Plus, the etiquette implications of wearable tech trends, and a salute to a polo player who’s kind on and off the field.
29 min
548
Episode #52: Let Me Treat You to a Doggie Bag
Lizzie and Dan help out a frustrated listener who treated a colleague to lunch, then watched that colleague order with abandon and save items to take home for later. Tacky? Or within the bounds of the offer?
35 min
549
Episode #51: You’re Bringing What To My Wedding?
Lizzie and Dan get a question from a bride-to-be who has received an unprecedented RSVP to her upcoming wedding. Kudos are given to the bride for her flexibility.
42 min
550
Episode #50: Paper Anniversary
It’s our 50th episode! AND our 1-year anniversary of being a podcast! So, Lizzie and Dan take a moment to reflect on some favorite moments from the past year, take a look ahead at hopes and dreams for the upcoming year, and dive deep into the traditional gift themes for anniversaries.
52 min