When I was in 6th grade, my mom surprised me one day by informing me she had signed  me up for a 6-week etiquette course with several of my friends. Now, most kids might see this as a fun excuse to hang out with their friends outside of school, but  I immediately burst into tears and begged and pleaded with my mother to get me out of the course.

To explain the reasoning for my inconsolable grief, let me explain that this course was not just for girls. There would be boys there as well... And we would be partnered as dates each week  with these boys... And forced to learn ballroom dances like the Foxtrot, Waltz and even swing dancing... Sounds horrible, right? Well, as a 6th grader, it was probably the worst thing I could imagine. Somehow, I survived the course (with much complaining to my mom, I'm sure) and to my surprise I came out actually learning some useful knowledge.

Even though I don't always remember the correct angle to place silverware along your plate to notify the waiter you are finished with your meal, I can appreciate the basics of etiquette I learned from these courses and from a southern upbringing.

Now that I am older, I have a much higher appreciation of good manners and everyday etiquette. Especially when I live in New York, a city filled with a population of almost 8 million, which requires you to come within mere centimeters of someone else in a crowded subway daily, and cramped restaurant tables bring  you much closer to your dining companions at the next table. 

Here is a funny, but insightful article from New York Magazine, "The Urban Etiquette Handbook." I think anyone who uses public transportation regularly would enjoy reading this article and get a good laugh along the way.