You may look at this site and ask, “What do I need with Social Etiquette? I get along in life just fine.” As I see it, etiquette is manners at its best in a social setting. Social setting is the foundation for hospitality. In actuality, manners propel hospitality into something that touches others on a personal level. It is kindness and warmth. With the skill of etiquette, hospitality can open the door to lasting friendships.

Now that I’m a little older, I can reflect on my own experiences of Social Etiquette. I have experienced hospitality on both the receiving and the giving end. It has been my joy to open my home to friends and new acquaintances over the years. When my husband was the Executive Vice President of a private Christian College, I had many opportunities to practice Social Etiquette, especially the Hospitality aspect. I loved it.

Now we have moved on and I have precious memories of those times. When I unload my dishwasher, a flood of sweet memories fill my mind.  A sudden attack of nostalgia overcomes me of friends I had the privilege of entertaining at my table. Not too many days ago precious friends ate on these very dishes; friends that I may not see for many years to come: a senior from college, graduating and going home far away from here; a young friend with a wide open range of dreams that wants to spread her wings somewhere else; a dear friend who lost her husband, and a neighbor who just needed to talk. These are my friends and I cherish the memories we made at my table. We played games, laughed, drank tea and shared philosophies on how to win the current challenge. We left feeling refreshed and encouraged by each other. That is hospitality – a jelling of more than one recipient with the giver. For in friendship, hospitality is at its best.