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Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
5 Surprising Conversation Starters That Will Instantly Make You Sound Classy
5 Surprising Conversation Starters That Will Instantly Make You Sound Classy originally appeared on Parade. So, you want to sound classy. First, let's start with what exactly 'classy' means to an etiquette Jenny Dreizen, co-founder and COO of Fresh Starts Registry, author of Simple Scripts to Support Your People and a professional boundaries and etiquette expert, it means being curious, warm, welcoming and nonjudgmental, all while holding boundaries and being authentic without being overly intimate.'While I can't imagine a scenario where we wouldn't want to be the above, there are some particular spaces we want this definition of class (rather than one that is about rigid social rules and strata) to shine, such as job interviews, dinner parties, weddings, professional networking or meetings and even dates,' Dreizen you're in those situations—or any situation where you want to appear polite and welcoming—try out these five that will make you sound , she 5 Classy Conversation Starters, According to an Etiquette Expert 1. What drew someone to their work, and what they love most about it now. Telling someone that you'd 'love to hear' about this comes across as instantly classy and kind. It's a portrayal of curiosity and genuine interest, Dreizen says. 'It also replaces the question 'What do you do?', which sometimes comes off as a means to classify someone into a particular social group or level,' she adds.I mean, picture it: Doesn't a conversation about someone's dreams and experiences feel more classy and meaningful than a conversation that may remind someone of a stressful job situation? Or make them think that you might be judging them?Again, classiness is (or should be) about being welcoming and inclusive, not rude and exclusive. 2. Something that's exciting them right now. Be sure to leave this question open-ended, Dreizen clarifies, so they have the space to talk about anything from a big business deal to a funny meme, all without judgment. 'It lets them know you're a safe person to share their joy,' she 3. Something they've been dying to discuss but haven't had the opportunity to. This conversation starter is playfully curious, Dreizen says, and shows you want to get to know the other person and let them be fully themselves. After all, as Taylor Swift said in an interview with BBC Radio, 'The worst kind of person is someone who makes someone feel bad, dumb or stupid for being excited about something.' 4. Something about what they do that people often misunderstand. 'This displays care, curiosity and willingness to not only learn about them, but also about what they do on a deeper level,' Dreizen says. For example, you might find out that straight pastors can be LGBTQ+ allies, that lawyers can be Elle Woods-esque (shoutout to Legally Blonde) or that a parent was well-meaning when they made a certain mistake. You never know!Related: 250 Deep Conversation Topics To Get You Thinking—and Talking! 5. What "home" means to them. This question is classy and allows you to connect with people well, Dreizen shares, because it's an invitation for the person to share something that makes them feel warm and welcomed. That makes sense, right? Picturing and describing something as comforting as 'home' can make people feel, well, at home. Visualization is note: Remember that what feels like home to them may be different from what it means to you. It could mean friends, alone time, a space where they feel free to be themselves, their biological family, their 'chosen family' or something entirely whichever conversation starter(s) you pick, remember that the key is to be genuine. Show that you truly care with a kind tone, open body language and a Next:Source Jenny Dreizen is co-founder and COO of Fresh Starts Registry, author of Simple Scripts to Support Your People and a professional boundaries and etiquette expert. 5 Surprising Conversation Starters That Will Instantly Make You Sound Classy first appeared on Parade on Aug 18, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 18, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
05-08-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
7 Nonverbal Cues That Instantly Make You Seem Classy
7 Nonverbal Cues That Instantly Make You Seem Classy originally appeared on Parade. The Internet is full of scripts to help you with different scenarios you might run into. For example, there are tips on how to sound like a gentle parent and set firm boundaries with a toxic relative, or check in with a friend without overstepping. What we say makes a big impact. That being said, while words matter, sometimes, you say a lot without saying anything at all thanks to our body language."Nonverbal cues are all the things our body is doing without ever having to make a peep," says Jenny Dreizen, an etiquette expert, co-founder and COO of Fresh Starts Registry and author of Simple Scripts to Support Your explains that arm tension, the angle of your head and even the way your cheek muscles look can tell a story about you."More often than not, [nonverbal communication] cannot lie," she says. "[These] are the introduction your body makes before your mouth has even opened to say hello. Your posture, gestures and facial expressions send a message about who you are, what you value and how you carry yourself in the world."Want to come off as chic and sophisticated? They say you can't teach class, but Dreizen is proving otherwise, offering seven nonverbal cues that make you seem instantly 7 Classy Nonverbal Cues, According to an Etiquette Expert 1. Soft, steady eye contact The eyes are a window to your soul—and mind and character. If you want to make a classy first impression, Dreizen suggests focusing on your gaze."Maintaining soft but steady eye contact lets people know you are actively engaged in conversation with them," she says. "They will feel seen and heard and not like you are more interested in that conversation over there." 2. Confident posture Don't get it twisted—confidence is classy, not a turn-off. Your body lingo can radiate a confident-meets-inclusive vibe."Keeping your shoulders back and relaxed, head up and back in a comfortable straight position will make you appear warm, confident and welcoming," Dreizen 3. Easy expression Classy people are like the human equivalent of summer breezes."Try to remember your goal is for people to feel at ease around you," Dreizen states. "Relax your mouth, observe the world and try to let the tension drop from your eyes. You want to look pleasant without having to plaster on a smile." 4. Intentional, confident walking Exude class from the moment you walk into a room by walking with quiet confidence and intention."The way you move your body through a space says a lot about you," Dreizen says. "Dragging your feet, slouching or stomping indicates to others that something is off. Instead, try moving slowly, with intention and confidence."Related: 5. Fight distraction Stay connected to the people you're actually with. Ironically, this cue involves a bit of disconnecting from your devices."Making others feel warm and welcome means focusing on them when you are together," Dreizen explains. "Do not check your phone constantly. Do not sit scrolling."Sometimes, you may need to be plugged into your phone, such as if you're waiting for a loved one to come out of surgery. That's OK."If you need to check your phone, mention you need to check it, check it and then put it away," she says. "Being involved in your phone when in community with others can indicate to them you are bored or uninterested." 6. Breathing We do it without thinking. However, Dreizen says intentional breathing is a nonverbal cue that can ensure you come off as instantly classy. Why? Because it'll help prevent you from verbalizing something that makes you sound rude or mean."Before responding, it is OK to take a beat and a breath," she emphasizes. "You aren't on a timer or a sitcom."Use that time to script a less reactionary, more tactful response that displays pure 7. Comfort with stillness and silence Maybe after taking that breath, you decide to stay still and silent. That's so classy. In fact, you can even embrace a prolonged pause in moments when things are calm."Part of being an inviting person is learning to get comfortable in the quiet moments, both alone and with others," Dreizen points out. "Do not feel like you have to fill every quiet beat— it can be an overwhelming experience for both yourself and others."Related: The No. 1 Thing To Avoid if You Want To Look Classy Dreizen says it's crucial to focus on what your face may be telling the other person."You might not realize you're rolling your eyes or making a smirk, but your companions do, even if they don't consciously realize it," she explains. "Be mindful of your inner thoughts leaking straight through to your face." That doesn't mean you have to lie or go heavy on toxic positivity."While we want to be authentic with others, we also have to be mindful of processing our own judgements in our own mind rather than spewing them all around the conversation," Dreizen includes the judgments you communicate without words through expressions and other forms of body language. Up Next:Source: Jenny Dreizen, an etiquette expert, co-founder and COO of Fresh Starts Registry and author of Simple Scripts to Support Your People 7 Nonverbal Cues That Instantly Make You Seem Classy first appeared on Parade on Aug 4, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 4, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Newsweek
03-07-2025
- General
- Newsweek
Neighbor Keeps Leaving Same Thing in Apartment Hallway, Internet Outraged
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. An apartment dweller's Reddit post has sparked widespread frustration over a neighbor's clunky habit. In the post, they shared photos of their neighbor's persistent act of leaving a row of empty water jugs in their apartment hallway. The accumulation of bottles has left the poster, and now the internet, baffled and annoyed. Since the post was published, it has received 12,000 upvotes. Newsweek spoke to etiquette and boundaries expert Jenny Dreizen about the post, and how the resident can address the situation. "My neighbor keeps leaving his water jugs outside of my people live in the apartment across the hall, and they refuse to take their water jugs to the dumpster outside," the poster wrote. "No idea why they even go through this many water jugs in the first place." The comments section quickly filled with a mix of outrage, solidarity and creative solutions. "Build a tower leaning on his door so that when he opens it they all fall inside," one Redditor suggested. Many users immediately pointed out the practical and safety concerns. "As others have said, contact your landlord," another wrote. "This is a fire code violation, and the landlord could get fined." Some tried to rationalize the neighbors' behavior, albeit without excusing it: "Not to justify this at all, because they should be storing them in their unit, but the reason they're letting them pile up is (my guess) they want to get enough to justify making a trip to the recycling center. Thank you for saving the planet but yeah it would be better if they kept the jugs in their unit," one commenter offered. 'A Quiet Kind of Disrespect' Newsweek spoke to Dreizen, modern etiquette and boundaries expert, and COO and co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry, about such common living dilemmas. "As someone who spends a lot of time thinking about boundaries, etiquette and the psychology of how we live alongside others, I can tell you that situations like the one described in this Reddit post are more common than people realize," Dreizen said. She explained that such seemingly small acts can carry significant weight. "When a neighbor repeatedly leaves something like empty water jugs outside their door—especially in shared or visible spaces—it can feel like a quiet kind of disrespect. It's not loud or overt, but it chips away at the shared sense of responsibility and consideration that makes communal living feel safe and pleasant," she said. Dreizen noted that while sometimes it's due to a lack of awareness or differing cultural or personal norms, other times, it can be a form of "passive defiance—a way for someone to exert control over their environment or avoid tasks they feel aren't their responsibility." For those like the poster, looking to address such issues constructively, Dreizen recommended clear, respectful communication—ideally soon. She advised a calm approach, like: "Hey, I've noticed the empty jugs by your door. I wasn't sure if you were planning to take them out, but it's becoming a bit of an issue. Would you mind tossing them in the dumpster instead?" Framing the message as an observation could help avoid a defensive response. Dreizen concluded by emphasizing the importance of respect in shared living spaces: "Everyone deserves to feel respected in their living space, and addressing these things early, with compassion and clarity, can go a long way toward preserving that." Newsweek reached out to u/virtualzebra1 for comment via Reddit.
Newsweek
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Bride Invites High-School Acquaintance to Wedding—Then Comes the Demand
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. What started as a casual RSVP to a high-school acquaintance's wedding quickly turned into a boundary-testing request for one woman. In a post to Reddit, a 27-year-old makeup artist who occasionally posts her work on Instagram shared her story, explaining how she accepted an invite to the wedding of a girl she knew from high school. But her attendance led to a surprising request for free services. Since the post was published, it has gone viral with more than 6,700 upvotes and over 170 comments. Newsweek spoke to modern-day etiquette and boundaries expert, Jenny Dreizen, about whether or not the request to the guest was appropriate or not. Stock photo: A professional makeup artist applies eye shadow to a woman. Stock photo: A professional makeup artist applies eye shadow to a woman. nicoletaionescu/Getty Images In the post, the makeup artist wrote that, a few days before the wedding, she received a random Instagram DM from someone she didn't follow. The sender was the bride's cousin. "She somehow found out I was a makeup artist and would be at the wedding, so she asked if I could do her makeup. No greetings, no please, nothing," the poster wrote. Still, she responded politely by sharing her event makeup rate, and thanked the cousin for reaching out. It didn't go well. The artist had to further explain that her kit, time and effort are not free, but instead of appreciating the clarity, the cousin fired back. "She called me a greedy person and added that girls are supposed to support each other," the woman wrote. The irony wasn't lost on Reddit. "Girls need to support each other … Like supporting a woman and her business?" one person wrote. "I'm so glad you didn't cave!" another added. "You were going to the wedding as a guest, not as a makeup artist. I wonder if she tried to scope out the guest list looking for hairdressers so she could ask if they'd do her hair for free, too?" The kicker? At 7 a.m. on the wedding day, the cousin texted again asking if she could be "squeezed in." The makeup artist didn't respond and showed up to the wedding, glam and unbothered. "She didn't say a word to me," she wrote. An Expert Weighs In Dreizen, COO and co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry and host of the Jenny Says So podcast, told Newsweek that this kind of social pressure is far too common. "Whether it's makeup artistry, photography, catering or even legal advice, professionals are often put in positions where their work is expected for free, simply because they're 'already there.' It's a misunderstanding of boundaries and the value of skilled labor," Dreizen said. And, no, showing up at an event doesn't mean services come as part of the RSVP. Dreizen's advice for beauty professionals in situations like this? "Kind but firm boundaries are key," she said, suggesting scripts that involve clear communication of rates. "'My makeup work is a big part of my livelihood, so I have to stick to my rates, even for friends and family,'" she added. In the end, it seems the poster was able to keep her cool and her boundaries—and left with her glam intact. Newsweek reached out to u/IsoldeFairbourner for comment via Reddit.
New York Post
29-04-2025
- Business
- New York Post
This is the most useless phrase to put in an email, expert says: ‘It accomplishes nothing'
'Just checking in' is considered one of the worst phrases to put in an email and etiquette experts are begging you to stop. As reported by Parade, according to modern-day etiquette, boundaries and relationship expert Jenny Dreizen, you might as well be shouting into the void if you're using that wording. 'This is a vague non-statement that is basically the same as saying, 'Pushing this to the top of your inbox,'' Dreizen, the COO and co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry, she told the outlet. Dreizen also explained that it's not doing what you think it is. The phrase, 'just checking in' in an email is all fluff, according to experts. bodnarphoto – ''Just checking in' does not accomplish the task it seemingly needs to, which is to force the issue or expedite the to-do item,' she said. 'When we're using email as communication, we want to be as straightforward and direct as possible. This phrase accomplishes nothing while also coming off vaguely passive-aggressive.' That doesn't mean every email has to be robotic or ruthless, but Dreizen argues that if you want results, you have to be clear. She suggests swapping the fluffy 'just checking in' for something, like: 'Wanted to know how progress was going on [action item].' 'Writing emails to ensure people respond to your questions and/or get things done is an art,' Dreizen explained. Speaking of wanting to get a point across in an email, some employees are shying away from being overly polite in their OOO responses — and are instead telling it how it is. As reported in the Wall Street Journal, 62-year-old chairman and chief investment officer of Ritholtz Wealth Management, Barry Ritholtz has no problem being blunt in his automated replies. 'I am out of the office having way more fun than communicating with you,' his reply says, according to the Journal. 'I will likely forget to email you back.' 'During this time, I will be out of the office, not checking emails, avoiding texts, ignoring Slack, letting calls go to voicemail, off the grid, and generally unreachable. As such, my auto-responder is, well, auto-responding,' the rest of his email read. And while some employees are taking the straightforward approach in their work communication, some female workers are choosing to 'sound like a man' in their emails to get what they want, despite experts warning against it. 'In 2025, we write emails like men and get promoted,' wrote content creator @FeliciaPr1ime in a social media post that garnered over 46,000 views. While this is an empowering statement for many women, ''perpetuating gender stereotypes in the workplace could be 'harmful,'' said Danaya Wilson, CEO of BetterCertify, a professional training company in a report for WorkLife. It's 'better to communicate directly, with brevity, and focus on information exchange, but we don't have to necessarily align this with masculinity anymore,' she added.
