Etiquette & Leadership Coach helping people show up with confidence, kindness, and credibility.

It’s Late Summer—Let’s Not Lose Our Manners

August brings that easygoing energy of late summer – flip-flops, cookouts, long weekends, and that general sense that we can all loosen up a bit. And we should! But while the dress code might be more casual and calendars a little lighter, even this transitional season isn’t a hall pass to ditch basic kindness and courtesy. In fact, with so many shared spaces — beaches, parks, sidewalks, and yes, front lawns — it’s the perfect time to dial up the respect and be more intentional with how we show up.

This Month’s Hot-Topic Questions:

Q. I witnessed someone yelling at a store employee. It made me so uncomfortable – should I have said something?

A. Sadly, this happens more than it should. If you feel safe, a simple “You’re doing a great job” or a kind word to the employee after the fact can go a long way. If the situation feels heated or unsafe, let a manager know. Rudeness isn’t strength – it’s just bad behavior. And a little support from a bystander can really help someone get through a tough moment.

Q. I waited over 30 minutes for a table, and then longer for food. Is it rude to complain?

A. You can advocate for yourself without being unkind. A calm, respectful question to the host or manager is absolutely fair. Just remember: most waitstaff aren’t causing the delays. They’re doing their best, often understaffed. Kindness counts – especially when tensions are high.

Q. Is it okay to wear flip-flops to work?

A.

 Depends on your office culture, but generally, save the beachwear for the beach. Even if your office is casual, you still want to look like you’re there to do business. Open-toed is fine – shower shoes, not so much.

Q.

 I’ve seen a lot of people FaceTiming in public without headphones lately. Is this okay now?

A. Just because we can doesn’t mean we should. If you’re having a full-on video chat in a café, store, or airport gate – use headphones or step aside. The rest of us don’t need to be part of your conversation.

And finally, the Etiquette Tip of the Month:

A Kind Word to Dog Owners:

We love your pups, truly – but let’s not let “relaxed summer mode” mean relaxing the rules. Please don’t let your dog relieve themselves on neighbors’ lawns or flower beds. Even if you’re picking up after them, it’s still someone’s effort, money, and pride you’re walking over. Aim for public grassy areas and respect that landscaping takes work. It’s a small act of courtesy that means a lot.

See you next month—stay cool, stay kind.
—Lee-Ann

Have a situation you’d like help with? Write in or email ([email protected]) and your question may be featured in a future column. Let’s build a kinder, more respectful world, one interaction at a time.

Lee-Ann Barkhouse is a certified etiquette and leadership coach who helps people show up with confidence, kindness, and credibility. At Invest in You (www.investinuma.com), she shares practical tools to make everyday moments more thoughtful and meaningful—whether at work, at home, or right here in the community.