I get it -- someone who chooses NOT to drink is something of a curiosity, especially when "let's grab a drink" is almost interchangeable with "hey, how are you?" I’m sober because I’ve had issues in my past, but people make the choice not to drink for a variety of reasons -- some of which are none of your beeswax.

It's easy to get lost in the moment of cutting into a tender, juicy steak. For your table companions, however, watching you grapple with your meal may not be very appetizing. Fortunately, good steak etiquette is very simple: all it requires is a little patience and precision.

There are benefits to writing your own thank-you notes that you may not even be aware of. Appreciation can go a long way; others notice when you take the time to personally share your gratitude. Writing thank-you notes will probably improve your relationship with the giver, prompting more gifts or phone calls.

No matter how wealthy, attractive or powerful you are, according to the authors of "Better than Beauty: A Guide to Charm," none of these will redeem you from the unflattering label of being boorish, rude or insensitive to the feelings of others.

While focus is often put on the death and funeral of a loved one, grief and pain can continue for months or years afterward. The anniversary of a death can be especially painful because it can bring the feelings of loss and heartache previously experienced right back to the present.

Comforting someone who’s lost a loved one can be fraught with uncertainty. You want to be helpful, but you don’t want to upset the person further. It can sometimes feel easier to not reach out at all.