Impress Adults
Do you get nervous around adults? What if you're known as the "Rebel" by all parents? You probably just want to learn to have manners and make adults love you. Do you want to impress your guardian's friends, but don't know how? Then read on, and learn a lesson that will help you all through life.
Contents
Steps
- Do not be caught lounging on the couch when an adult enters. You may look like a lazy person. It might also be disrespectful. Stand up and offer to take their coat or purse, or show them to the closet if you think they would prefer to hang their things up themselves. If they have never been to the house before give them a quick tour. Close the doors of any messy rooms, and tell the adults which rooms are off limits, and where the bathrooms are.
- Make eye contact, smile, and try to seem friendly. Don't stare or give evil glances to people around you. If you know them well give them a hug when you meet, if you don't offer your hand and state your name. Be Polite, and offer the adult an appropriate drink.
- Dress appropriately, and try not go over the top with clothes and, if applicable, makeup. You really don't want to have blue eye shadow and bright red lipstick, with an adult gawking at you, now don't you?
- If you receive a phone call, especially during meal times, then don't accept it. If you think it's really important then excuse yourself but try to ask the caller to try calling later.
- Try to be engaged in the conversation or be helpful. It's better not to watch TV, go on the computer, or listen to your iPod. Don't be a hermit. If you feel like you are unwanted by the adults in the conversation you should ask for permission to go to your room for a while.
- Be Yourself.
- If You are a guest, when you first arrive, ask the host polite questions, like "How are you? How are your children/hamsters/family?" Use your manners. You want the adults to want you back, and comment on how nicely you behaved. As a bonus, your parents will also be proud.
- Eat politely and follow table manners. Be careful not to spill food or talk with your mouthful. Don't put your elbows on the table. Offer to help out. At the end of the meal join in with taking out the plates, washing the dishes, or drying them. Try to eat what you're given, even if you don't like it that much. Don't complain about the food or make negative comments. Compliment them on anything you do like even if it's only a side-dish. Try to make polite dinner conversation.
- Play with any younger children, but only if that is really helping out. There may be only one little lonely five year old, and no matter how much you may dislike children, play with the kid. Make a craft out of some stationary (ask permission before using materials), draw, or color. If you have been playing for a while responsibly declare that you want to take part in conversation.
- Try not to be difficult. Don't ask for a drink the adult most likely won't have but ask for the choices first. You don't want to ask for a drink that can only be found halfway across the world. Sit in the place that is suggested even if you don't particularly like the people you are next to.
- If you got a ride make sure when you are dropped off to thank the driver and explain how much you appreciate the ride. It is also nice to return the favor by driving them somewhere or bringing them a small cookie or small perfume sample to say that you honestly do appreciate the ride. If you don't say thank you, then they may not be happy about driving you somewhere next time.
- Write thank you notes, whether you want to or not. Explain exactly what you received, how much you like it, and what you are going to do with the object. The adult went out to buy you something, and it's up to you to show that you mean it when you say you like it.
- Don't look bored or look as if you would rather be somewhere else even if you do. The adult is most likely very happy to see you, and they would be crushed if you look as if you would much rather be at one of your friends' parties.
- Use real words, and get involved in conversation. Instead of "Yeah," or "Yup," say "Yes, I would love that." Listen to the conversations. The adult might ask you a question so try to talk and explain your answers. If an adult asks how you like school, you could say, "Yes, school is fine, though homework is really going up this term!" This makes the adults feel that they are your friend, and you are comfortable talking to them. Compliment things you like. Don't interrupt a conversation to say something irrelevant. That is extremely rude. When speaking, make sure it's appropriate. If you're not sure than it's probably better not to say anything.
- Address adults by their names. They are people, too, and they deserve to be treated as you treat your friends. Use Mister or Miss, and then say their last name unless specified otherwise. If you are just meeting them ask the adult what they would like you to call them.
Tips
- Dress sensibly and Smile.(Do not smile just to be silly)
- Do not curse around an adult. It may come off as rude or disrespectful.
- Always be considerate of other people's homes. Don't mess about with ornaments or look in drawers, or read mail lying on the counter. Try to keep yourself entertained with conversation rather than looking around their home.
- Use the basics. Say, "please," and "thank you."
- When refilling drinks or serving food make sure you know what the adult wants. If you don't know, then don't be shy, ask them! Repeat what they said they wanted so you know what they want.
- Offer to help whoever is cooking or cleaning. If it's OK with your parents, then offer to stick around and help clean.
- Think of questions you will most likely be asked beforehand so you know what to say, especially if you get nervous around adults. Practice with other people; try to think of the adult as a person, too.
- Also Remember that adults will mostly think they know better, just because of their experience. They do not mean to upset or correct you with this, they often simply want to "help you with their knowledge". This can be boring, if you don't listen, but it can be very interesting if you do listen carefully.
- Offer to shake their hand. This shows that you respect them and that you're a good person. When you do shake their hand, make sure it's firm and say something like 'It's nice to meet you' or 'I've heard so much about you'.
Warnings
- Be especially careful when around Adults with children smaller than you. Giving their children a bad time or influencing them in any bad way is a 100%-Fool-Proof way to make an adult dislike you. Do never curse or be rude around children, even if it's okay to use informal language around their parents.
- The adult is older and more experienced than you. Make sure you understand that the adult can tell you to do something, and if you are rude, they will.
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