15 Ways Etiquette Has Changed

1. Don't text and drive.

This isn't exactly etiquette, but it will help you be a courteous and alert — and living — driver. If you can't put down your phone while moving, take the bus.

2. Tights count as pants now.

In many cases, it's more appropriate if you have a portion of your bum covered, but don't let the haters try and give you a hard time; wear what makes you feel good.

3. Â€Â‹Not responding is not the same as RSVPing that you can't attend.

If someone was thoughtful enough to invite you to an event, be courteous enough to resepcfully decline. To that end, it’s a jerk move to RSVP in the affirmative and then to not show up to an event.

4. Don't answer your cell phone while using the bathroom.

It can wait. No one wants to be forced to imagine what you were doing when they hear a flush in the background of the call.

5. Don't lend someone something unless they explicitly ask to borrow that thing.

You may have the best of intentions by loaning your friend this thing, but if they're not going to have the time to use that thing, you've just made them feel guilty and forced another responsibility onto your friend.

6. Don't take cell phone videos at concerts.

Even if you have the fanciest phone, the audio is going to be horrible and the quality of the picture won't be able to capture the moment. Besides, the person behind you didn’t pay to watch a concert through your cell phone screen.

7. Let someone know before you're coming over to visit.

There are some rare circumstances when a surprise may be a nice gesture, but in general, we now live in a world where people even plan their unstructured time. Dropping-in unexpectedly may seem like a nice move, but you may be causing a friend undue stress with your visit.

8. Ask before texting while out spending one on one time with someone -- especially a date.

When you're out with a friend or a partner, be present with that person. Your phone will still be there later. If you're expecting a call or need to deal with a pressing matter, warn the other person rather than ignoring them.

9. Don't share bad news via text.

Break ups and death announcements must be done either face to face or with a phone call.

10. Don't talk on the phone in enclosed spaces like airplanes or on public transit.

If everyone else is already doing it, you are allowed to hop on the bandwagon, but in general, don't force strangers to listen to your conversation.

11. When you have to squeeze past people to get to your seat, face those people as you pass them.

As Tyler Durdin says in "Fight Club," "Now a question of etiquette; as I pass, do I give you the ass or the crotch?" The answer is "The crotch."

12. Don't show up empty handed.

When you are attending a party, bring something with you. Bring a snack, a bottle of wine — something to share that says "Thank you."

13. Under no circumstances is it okay to say "I'm not a racist, but..."

Every single time that phrase has been uttered, it has been followed with a blatantly racist statement. That's not just bad manners, it's bad thinking.

14. Plastic bags are so twentieth century.

Not only do plastic bags look tacky, they are littering our planet and killing adorable little creatures when they inevitably find their way into the ecosystem.

15. Take Destiny's Child's advice, "I'm not gonna diss you on the internet -- cause my mama taught me better than that."

At all times, try and keep it as classy as Beyonce and friends, especially when you're online.

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