After 20 years of living together, we will be having a wedding. My partner has finally asked me to marry him. In fact, from the beginning, it was he who wanted this traditional sealing of the knot. The big day will be this fall. The wife of his best friend suggested (actually, strongly insisted) that […]
#Gratitude. This hashtag is increasingly popular on social media. What does gratitude mean? Here is Merriam-Webster’s definition: “the state of being grateful, thankfulness.” Why are so many people fans of gratitude? Gratitude is authentic unsolicited feedback and it rapidly becomes quite contagious. Gratitude is reciprocal and synergistic. In a world of screens where egocentrism and individualism […]
LinkedIn is not Facebook. Yes, both are online social media.Yes, both have blue logos. Yes, both were founded in California, in 2003 and 2004. In fact, LinkedIn was born before Facebook. I bet you thought it was the other way around ;-). But, LinkedIn’s mission is not a social one. Its distinction from Facebook is that it […]
our phone rings. It’s your sibling, your colleague, your neighbour or… a loved one who has cancer. It’s been a while, or you spoke just yesterday. You know him inside and out, or her, just on the surface by business association. She is older, he is younger, or you are the same age. You have known […]
There are cocktails, potlucks, buffets and traditional dinner invitations. But what is one to do about all those dietary restrictions and trends? Whether you are a host or guest, you may be wondering about diet dos and don’ts — rules and responsibilities. *** Here is a Q & A to help you handle the season’s […]
What title should you use to when speaking to you Caitlyn Jenner? Since her transition, it seems that everyone has an opinion on it. “Dad” — that is what Brandon, Burt, Brody, Casey, Kylie and Kendall are calling her. Why? She asked them to. Simple, isn’t it? Even better yet, her children respectfully asked her what […]
Travelling by airplane used to be exotic, at times fun and sometimes sexy… Nowadays, with the increasing number of passengers, the lengthy security procedures, narrowing seats, shrinking leg space and the Knee Defenders, it can be very stressful. Travelling by aircraft, to get to the conference, to visit a loved one or to explore a remote […]
Just like most of us, your family is not nearly as perfect as George Bailey’s in It’s a wonderful life. It probably is closer to one of the three Modern Family families or that of the Griswolds’ in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. To avoid getting wrapped up in garlands and light up like a Christmas tree, here are solutions to […]
It’s party time! “The happ, happiest season of all!” Maybe you’re hosting or maybe you’re “guesting”, regardless of your role, here is the alphabet’s twenty-six dos and don’ts for holiday party etiquett ASSIGNED SEATING Use and respect place card holders to prevent disagreements, identify food restrictions or facilitate conversations. The guest of honour sits to […]
Sharing the holiday spirit with the people that make your life good can be a Sticky Situation. Here is a cheat sheet to make sure that everyone on your list gets recognized for their caring contributions. This annual tradition reflects regional customs. If you are new to a community talk to your friends, neighbours and colleagues. As my […]
In just a few hours, you will be toasting; saying goodbye to one year and welcoming another. This New Year’s Eve tradition is all about the toast, the toast; it’s all about the toast…. You know how the song goes, but do you know how to toast? *** Here is your New Year’s Eve toasting guide: […]
Today’s holiday office parties are not that different than those of your parents’, with one small exception… In their heydays of afros, bell bottoms and disco balls dancing to Donna Summer or grooving to Stevie Wonder, if a colleague was a little tipsy and did something silly, at worst, there could be a Polaroid on […]
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julie@julieblaiscomeau.com
I’m Julie Blais Comeau, Canada’s bilingual etiquette specialist. My mission is simple: to give you the know-how to shine positively at work and in the community.
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