Ediquette with Elders
Be in no doubt as to the wisdom of deferring to your own elders, by the
certain fact of the status they hold, they are deserving of your consideration.
It is also true that by using the correct protocols an elder wil pay more
attention to your opinions, at least in the first instance. When your elder
enters a room, it is correct to stand as a token of regard, unless there are kine
present in which case a simple nod is sufficent. Do not address your elder
beyond a formal politeness unless he addresses you first, or has given you
permission to speak. The correct forms of address could fill a vast tome, if
you are not certain as to which is apropriate then you have to option of
listening to how others address him, or simply asking and apologising for
your own ignorance in the matter.
It is always appropriate to apologise to one's elders for any real or imagined
failing in your own etiquette. It implies that you are willing to accept their
judgement and advice and create a good impression. So, it is always
appropriate to turn up to any meeting approximately 5 minutes after the
agreed time. This will give you something to apologise for immediately and
will get the meeting off on the right foot. Never criticise your elder in public
unless you are doing so specifically to draw another into the same trap, it will
reflect badly upon your own status. It may also lead to more serious
repercussions... When your elder makes a suggestion, it is appropriate to
agree to it in principle, although unnecessary to speak at great length about
the merits of the proposed plan. However, it is not a kindness to withhold
your own reservations about any course of action. Make free use of apologies
(see above) for your own short-sightedness and failings, and ask permission to
speak your mind.
An important consideration, gentle reader, is that even when your elder is