Situation: I’m going to meet a friend for a peppermint mocha at Starbuck’s right before graduation. What if she shows up with a gift and I don’t?

Solution: The most important thing: Let her know how genuinely grateful you are. Compliment her thoughtfulness rather than diving into an awkward explanation as to why you don’t have a gift for her. Later, send a thank you note. Purchasing and giving a gift for her is optional.

Situation: My cousin is having an afternoon wedding in May. Should I wear my black dress with satin sleeves or my cotton dress with the floral print?

Solution: This occasion calls for the casual floral, not the formal/evening feel of the black dress. As a guest, you don’t want to upstage the bride by wearing or doing anything that might steal the attention of her special day.

Situation: My debate team won state competition and has been invited to a formal banquet. I’m already nervous about all the extra forks and which way to pass the rolls.

Solution: Remember this simple rule: Always use silverware from the outside in. Silverware is placed according to when and how it’ll be used. The outside fork is for your salad (typically served first), the inside fork for your dinner. The horizontal fork placed near the top of your plate is for dessert. If there is a small thin fork (cocktail fork) placed outside the spoon, it’s for an appetizer. For rolls (or anything else), pass to the right!

Situation: Is it still considered double-dipping if I dip a part of the chip that my mouth hasn’t touched?

Solution: Yes. If your mouth hasn’t touched it, chances are your fingers have. If the double-dip is just too tempting for you, put some dip on a small plate so that you’re not contaminating the community bowl.

Situation: My two best friends and I ordered boutonnieres for our guy friends who invited us to prom. How do we pin them on without sticking their chests?

Solution: First, hold the flower against the jacket lapel. Second, insert the pin down into the fabric, up through the fabric, then through the flower stem (that’s the secret to keeping it from falling sideways all night). Third, push the pin back down into the fabric at an angle—not straight down toward his unsuspecting pectoral!

Situation: When I finish my meal at a restaurant, where do I put my napkin?

Solution: Loosely fold your napkin (hiding stains and spills) and leave it on the table to the left of your plate. FYI: If you excuse yourself from the table during the meal, place your napkin on the seat of your chair, not the table.

Situation: Is it impolite to pick food out of my braces?

Solution: It all depends on where you are. In public, if you can’t remove it with your tongue, excuse yourself to the restroom to use floss or a toothpick.

Situation: I’m a chatterbox around my friend, but if there’s an adult within 5 feet, my brain goes blank. What can I do to keep from appearing rude or unfriendly?

Solution: Looking the adult in the eye and smiling will eliminate the unfriendly factor. To avoid rudeness, memorize a few general questions such as: How was your day? What do you like best about your job? What was your favorite subject in high school and why? What do you think about (insert a current event)? This will get the small talk rolling.

Situation: I recently got detention for text-messaging in class. I don’t see why my teacher got so upset.

Solution: Texting is a big NO-NO during class . . . and also during church. Part of good manners is considering how your actions might affect others. Put yourself in your teacher’s shoes: She doesn’t know if you’re sending test answers or gossiping with a classmate about her lack of fashion savvy. What she does know is that you’re not paying attention. It’s as if you’re saying, “What I’m doing is more important than what you’re saying.”