These days, it feels like a lot of people ignore the importance of etiquette, but people who learned good manners have no problem letting it show in the ways they talk to people.<\/p>\n
Good manners are actually considered a social skill, so anyone who was taught them is at an advantage. These phrases seem to be used more rarely now, but they\u2019re an automatic indication that someone really did grow up learning how to do things the proper way.<\/p>\n
People say these phrases in casual conversation when they were taught good etiquette:<\/h2>\n1. \u2018How are you doing?\u2019<\/h3>\n
It\u2019s obvious that some people ask how others are doing just because they feel obligated to. It takes a special person to ask how someone is out of genuine curiosity and make it clear that they want a true answer.<\/p>\n Because so many people say this phrase automatically, it can easily be overlooked as a sign of good manners. But people who say it seriously were taught to care about people. Showing kindness and support is one of the best ways to strengthen a friendship, and they\u2019re clearly being intentional about that.<\/p>\n RELATED: Kind People With Truly Good Hearts Usually Share 11 Extra-Special Traits<\/strong><\/p>\n A lot of people just interrupt a conversation or push past anyone who\u2019s in their way without giving it much thought. It takes someone with good etiquette skills to take a step back and approach people with courtesy, even though it means giving up a few extra seconds.<\/p>\n Saying \u201cexcuse me\u201d doesn\u2019t immediately make someone polite since there are plenty of situations where it shouldn\u2019t be used. This is another phrase that context clues can help you decode. When someone is truly authentic, it\u2019s not hard to tell.<\/p>\n Apologizing is an important skill to develop. The simple act of saying \u201csorry\u201d can be very meaningful and help heal broken relationships.<\/p>\n Polite people don\u2019t just reserve this phrase for deep moments, though. They\u2019re just as quick to apologize when they accidentally bump into someone else or step directly in front of them. These folks are remembered for going above and beyond to be respectful at all times, not just when they need to address a serious issue.<\/p>\n Wishing someone a good day doesn\u2019t seem like a big deal, but it really is if you think about it. When a conversation ends without everyone involved saying something like this, it feels incomplete and awkward.<\/p>\n This is another phrase people often say without really thinking about it, but that doesn\u2019t make it less important. Telling someone to have a good day, even if it\u2019s just a reflex, shows that person learned about good etiquette and took those lessons to heart.<\/p>\n RELATED: 9 Old-School Manners Kids Today Aren\u2019t Learning, But Really Should Be <\/strong><\/p>\n Etiquette expert Jodi Smith said, \u201cWhen someone is kind enough to extend an invitation, you should be kind enough to bring along a hostess gift.\u201d Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who don\u2019t understand this. They\u2019re happy to accept an invitation for a party or meal, but they don\u2019t stop to consider how they could return that kindness.<\/p>\n Well-mannered people would never make this mistake. Whoever is hosting will probably turn down their offer to bring something, but that won\u2019t stop them from bringing it up. Honestly, a lot of the things that get brought along in these situations aren\u2019t a huge deal, but they still show someone\u2019s appreciation.<\/p>\n Asking another person to do something might not seem like a big deal, especially if it\u2019s something that doesn\u2019t require much effort on their part. For example, asking someone to share a mutual acquaintance\u2019s phone number couldn\u2019t really be described as asking for a big favor.<\/p>\n That doesn\u2019t stop respectful people from showing the other person that their kindness means a lot to them. Including a phrase like \u201cif it\u2019s not too much trouble\u201d with a request makes it clear that they aren\u2019t demanding anything. Some people might find it unnecessary, but they would never think of leaving it unsaid.<\/p>\n A lot of people would probably claim \u201cafter you\u201d is such an old-fashioned phrase that it doesn\u2019t need to be said. Those who understand etiquette feel completely different. They have no problem letting another person go through a door before them because it\u2019s just a nice thing to do.<\/p>\n The interesting thing about this kind of phrase is that it really doesn\u2019t have to be said out loud. Someone could easily indicate that another person should step in front of them with a small gesture. But people remember the little things more than they realize. They\u2019ll catch onto that comment and think about how courteous it was, and they\u2019ll associate that with the person who said it.<\/p>\n This phrase is a simple building block of good manners that we\u2019re all taught to use from a really young age, but some people seem to forget about it. There are few things as awkward as one person doing something nice for another only for the recipient to move on without acknowledging it.<\/p>\n Someone who was taught good etiquette would never leave another person hanging like that. When they take the time to express their gratitude, they\u2019re actually rewiring their brain so that they can better deal with challenges. But they\u2019re probably more interested in how much hearing \u201cthank you\u201d will surely mean to the other person.<\/p>\n![\"woman](\"https:\/\/www.yourtango.com\/sites\/default\/files\/image_blog\/2026-07\/phrases-people-say-casual-conversation-when-they-were-taught-good-etiquette-how-are-you-doing.png\" "\\"phrases")
<\/span> digitalskillet from Getty Images Signature via Canva<\/span><\/p>\n2. \u2018Excuse me\u2019<\/h3>\n
3. \u2018I\u2019m sorry\u2019<\/h3>\n
4. \u2018Have a great day\u2019<\/h3>\n
![\"woman](\"https:\/\/www.yourtango.com\/sites\/default\/files\/image_blog\/2026-07\/phrases-people-say-casual-conversation-when-they-were-taught-good-etiquette-have-great-day.png\" "\\"phrases")
<\/span> Vergani_Fotografia from Getty Images Signature via Canva<\/span><\/p>\n5. \u2018Can I bring anything?\u2019<\/h3>\n
6. \u2018If it\u2019s not too much trouble\u2019<\/h3>\n
7. \u2018After you\u2019<\/h3>\n
8. \u2018Thank you\u2019<\/h3>\n
![\"woman](\"https:\/\/www.yourtango.com\/sites\/default\/files\/image_blog\/2026-07\/phrases-people-say-casual-conversation-when-they-were-taught-good-etiquette-thank-you.png\" "\\"phrases")
<\/span> Monkey Business Images via Canva<\/span><\/p>\n