I was so excited when one of my friends asked me to read her book before the official release, I actually read the entire book in one sitting. And the best part I could hear her friendly southern accent as I read each line.

I met Patricia Rossi, author of “Everyday Etiquette,” through Twitter. And once I met her in real life that genuine smile and friendliness shined through. I’ve listened to Patricia give etiquette advice on several TV stations, but nothing prepared me for what I was about to read.

Some people might think being coached on etiquette would be boring, but this book is anything but. From giving the limp fish handshake, which I loathe, a no no to putting the kibosh on the close talker… a reference to one of my all-time favorite TV shows “Seinfeld.”

Plus she offered advice I always wanted to hear: No “Crocs, worse yet, Crocs with socks!” OK, so it’s a casual Friday tip but in my world it should apply every day. After laughing at that, I had to take pause. No flip-flops on Casual Friday? But it’s Florida! Of course, I work from home and flip-flops are a staple.

Unfortunately, there was a section in the book about etiquette for working from home which if Patricia saw me on a Skype call, she’d definitely be thinking I need to reread it again and again. I definitely need work in that department along with a real lesson in thank you card writing.

I’ve always known I should be writing thank you cards. I know how nice it feels to receive one, but I get an F- in this department. At first, I blamed my poor penmanship which Patricia says, “Thank-you notes should be handwritten and sent by regular mail (not e-mail). If you have messy handwriting, just write slowly and do your best to make it legible.”

I admit now it’s mostly laziness when it’s so much easier to send an email or text. Speaking of texts, Patricia nabbed me there too. And even worse she has my number when it comes to my iPhone. I’m notorious for checking texts, Twitter & Facebook while out with friends. It’s what I do for a living, I justify. But in addition to being called out last weekend by a friend at dinner, I realized it takes the social out of a social event. And even worse, Patricia reminds it shows people they do not have your full attention.

But even worse, this part in the book made me gasp. No cell phones on the table while eating! Wow, my etiquette skills do need sharpening. The book also talks you through proper etiquette on dinner place settings and how to be a good host and/or guest in a variety of settings. It also offers etiquette tips ranging from the boardroom to the football stadium.

I definitely recommend “Everyday Etiquette” for college students looking to get a job to parents trying to teach their children the dos and don’ts in social situation to people like me who basically know better but need a gentle reminder.

Speaking of, I better put my iPad down and focus on listening to the people I’m with right now.

Stylishly yours,
Miss Attitude

P.S. “Everyday Etiquette” will be released on Sept. 13, but you can pre-order on Amazon.com now.

Editor’s note: This book was complimentary courtesy Patricia Rossi and St. Martin’s Griffen.