(via kottke)
I know I need to do more of #1 and #5, but I think in general, people need to do more of:
11. Do as invitations ask you.
13. Don’t use your friends.
15. Give and receive favors graciously.
#11 Covers RSVP and general etiquette for attending things. It also means you don’t RSVP then bail without telling anyone. If you’re going to be late or are unable to attend, let the host know as soon as you do. Also, don’t RSVP and then abandon that engagement because you found a better offer[1]. People tend to get the idea when you make them your backup gathering.
#13 mentions using for material reasons. But this should also include emotional. Noone likes an emotional vampire or someone who likes to manipulate and/or play politics amongst friends[3].
#15 So important. The article covers pretty much all that needs to be said for that.
[1] There are of course exceptions to the rule, such as family events[2] or emergencies. Although nothing excuses you from not notifying the host in a timely fashion.
[2] But in some cases I’m sure you can’t consider those ‘better offers’.
[3] I’m hearing so many of these cases lately.
