If you are a parent of a teenager, you are probably concerned with the issue of how to teach them basic manners. You want your teen to be a polite member of society, and for that, you need to train them on the basics of greeting people.
To do this, it is essential to understand how teenagers think. Adolescence is a confusing time for our teens. Their bodies are changing at a dizzying speed, and their brains are struggling to keep up with the demands of adulthood. So it is understandable that they might forget some of the basic rules of etiquette – but you can help them out.
You have to remember that teenagers have a different view on what makes an acceptable greeting – and that is because they have a very different perspective on what makes a fine person. They are still trying to figure that out, so they need time and their own space to work things out. It is hard for adults not to see this as rude, but it comes from a good place, even if the behavior isn't always appropriate.
The greeting is a surprisingly subtle subject. It is not about etiquette or even manners as much as it is about psychology and social dynamics. It is a little bit like teaching someone how to drive a car. Teaching a kid proper greeting skills increases their self-confidence and improves their self-image. As a result, they will be able to navigate social situations with greater ease.
There are two basic types of greetings: personal and professional. We use personal greetings with friends, family members, people we like. We use professional greetings with colleagues, business associates, and service providers (again, depending on the context).
The greeting is also kind of like driving in that it is more about paying attention than it is about knowing all the rules: most traffic laws are not about steering or keeping your eyes on the road but about staying alert and thinking before you act. The same is valid for greeting: there are no hard and fast rules, just some general guidelines that can help you avoid embarrassing moments and awkward situations.
When greeting someone, always remember to think about the handshake, make eye contact, and respect the personal space of the person you are greeting.
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