Social protocol

A protocol is a shared convention for communication.  Social protocol is allowing two different person or groups with different background who may have very little in common to know how to speak with one another without anyone getting offended.

Some of social protocol :

• They smile and share their good mood with others.
• They know how to “small talk” and don’t find it offensive or demeaning to do so. They understand that it is inappropriate (and often frightening) for people to share too much too soon. Small talk is a way of sharing very little, but still expressing interest in another person. After a little small talk, people feel more comfortable, and (depending on the relationship and the situation) deeper subjects may be brought up.
• They ask the people they interact with about themselves, expressing interest in their life and interests. They know that people like to talk about themselves, and will typically appreciate the audience.
• They use body language to communicate their interest:
• They lean forward slightly rather than reclining backwards
• They look at people when they talk to them, making eye contact frequently
• Their arms and legs are open, rather than crossed and closed.
• They do their best to remember the contents of conversations, and show people they remember when they meet again. They know that people are appreciative of being remembered.
• They are polite. For example, they say, “Thank you” when someone makes them a compliment, and “I’m sorry”, when they want to express concern or apologize.
• They make sure they are reasonably well groomed, so that people don’t look at them and form a negative first impression.
• They behave reasonably well, showing awareness that they are in a public place. For example, they don’t pick their nose or scratch their buttocks.
• They are willing to be vulnerable as becomes appropriate to the situations they find themselves in. They aren’t closed people, but instead are willing to share themselves appropriately. They are sensitive to the possibility of oversharing (saying too much, too soon), and avoid doing that.
• They are careful when choosing partners for long term relationships. They do not commit themselves quickly or easily, but rather take time to get to know the character of the people they are considering. They understand the importance of partner compatibility in keeping long term relationships healthy. This is to say, they understand that partners’ values, fighting style and ways of expressing themselves need to mesh well if relationships are to work well. They understand that compatibility is separate from love, and that while two people may love one another, they may not be good long term partners for one another if they are incompatible.