Old rule: Elopements weren’t seen as “real” weddings
Back in the day, eloping to get married was often seen as shameful, fringe, or the result of too much alcohol. But then the Great Recession happened and it changed a lot of people’s feelings about extravagant parties of any sort, Parker says.
New rule: Today, elopement is seen as a perfectly reasonable alternative to a traditional wedding and is often encouraged, she says, adding that most often the reasons now are financial.
Old rule: Return a phone call with a phone call
A decade ago, it would be considered rude not to promptly return a phone call but nowadays it’s very common for people to text rather than call back, Grotts says.
New rule: While this isn’t ideal – you lose a lot of context and risk a serious misunderstanding without voice – text replies are no longer seen as a faux pas, she says. That said, if it’s an important call then the best policy is always to call them back, she adds.
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Old rule: If it’s not on social media, it didn’t happen
A decade ago, smartphones and social media were still relatively novel to a lot of people and there weren’t a lot of etiquette rules, says Tara Darby Rasheta, director of JDW Cotillions Talks Etiquette and Manners. Taking a picture of your meal or tagging yourself and your friends immediately at an event was seen as expected or even cute.
New rule: “We should never use a phone at the table for talking, texting, updating social media, or general web surfing,” she says. And always ask permission first before posting about or tagging a friend.
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