12/27/2015
The standard definition of the word ‘Core’ is “basic or most important part; the essence”. At the center of social etiquette lie certain fundamentals; courtesy, confidence and respect. It was only natural to blend these words to put a name to my vision.
Confidence is the trust or faith to be true to ourselves so we can pursue our dreams. Respect is the willingness to show consideration or appreciation of self and others. These traits combined are what some consider measures of success and necessities for a healthy soul.
The word “etiquette” first brings to mind an expected behavior at social engagements, table manners, and visions of place settings- but etiquette is so much more. We, as individuals, require emotional and social acceptance in order to thrive. One way we gain acceptance is by following social norms and supporting oneself and others. Etiquette is about making others feel special. Toward that end, our words and actions must be considerate, genuine, compassionate and courteous. The ability for us to exhibit this behavior demands that we are first confident and respectful of ourselves, down to our very core.
Instilling self-confidence and considerate behavior in our youth is necessary to foster their success in all aspects of society, from education and relationships to career prospects and community ties. They must learn to be comfortable in their own skin, despite the critical eyes and expectations of their peers, so they can confidently maneuver through awkward situations, adult interactions and job and college interviews. To be compassionate, they must recognize the same struggles in their classmates, their teammates and their co-workers. To be considerate and courteous, they must take into account the feelings and needs of others, in addition to their own.
This is the mission of Core Etiquette, my mission: to provide our youth with the “soft” skills that come from etiquette instruction.
