Modern Advances Aren't An Excuse To Forget Your Manners

As I embark on this journey into the world of etiquette I yearn for an Emily Post like fairy godmother to tell me exactly what to do and what not to do. Instead, what I find are lot's of suggestions for what I should do, and what I might do should I choose not to go that route, and I find myself frustrated. Should you or shouldn't you hold the door open for the person behind you? Should you or shouldn't you send sit with your elbows on the table? Should I send an evite or a paper invitation? The options out there are overwhelming, and I don't like it one bit. You see, the current mavens or etiquette have created so much grey area there are no clear cut rules anymore. I don't like this. Not one bit. Certain rules, when it comes to social encounters should not be black and white. They should not be negotiable. In my opinion, the leading ladies of etiquette have "bitched out" and rolled over to please more fans and followers. They fear being seen as "rule followers" afraid to color outside the lines. But that is exactly what is missing from today's society. A basic understanding of how to be a decent and polite member of society, and yes, sometimes there are rules involved. While many tasks of day to day life necessitate the use of technology {email, texting, communication} one should still understand when to go to forgo these luxuries.