Tips on how to act Politely

• It is always much worse to be caught in a lie than to tell the truth.
• Don't put elbows on the table or reach over people for the salt and pepper. Always ask if they can please pass it to you.
• Tailor your behavior to the occasion. You can be more loose at a family party then at a society dinner. This goes for clothing, too. If you are unsure what kind of event you will be attending, ask what kind of party/restaurant/bar it is so you can come prepared. Nothing is more unpleasant than standing in the middle of a formal cocktail party in leather pants and biker boots—unless it's standing in the middle of a biker bar in a tuxedo.
• Never "help yourself" unless whoever it is, you are with, says you can.
• Never insist if someone has refused. It makes you look like you can't take 'no' for an answer.
• Don't forget to respect the person you are facing.
• Remember to say please and thank you.
• Try not to interrupt people when they're talking to someone else or in the middle of something.
• Be polite to the servers (and tip appropriately if you are the host).
• Treat everyone the same no matter their background, race, appearance, etc.