Minding Your Meet Up Manners

There is an infamous myth that almost every loli has heard of; lolita's are supposed to be polite. Although this is not inherently true, as clothing does not change the core character of a human, it will be easier to get along in life if you are good mannered. At a meet up it is important that you make a good impression, there are sure to be plenty of potential friends in attendance, and the quickest way to a this is through graciousness.

Manners can be a little confusing sometimes, if you haven't been raised with using them then they may seem unnatural at first, but after practicing them often they will become second nature. Just remember, it's better to be too polite than rude, so when in doubt always be courteous.

Meet Up Manners 

• Upon arriving at the meet up be sure to introduce yourself to the hostess/host if you have not met in person yet. Go out of  your way to thank her for hosting the event.
• It is never in bad taste to bring a small gift to the hostess. This does not have to be anything expensive, a plate of homemade cookies or a small hair corsage would do. It makes the hostess feel glad to have invited you and will show that you appreciate all her hard work.
• If you see any friends or acquaintances say hello to them. Before starting a conversation be sure to introduce yourself to any one you don't know so as to not leave them out. If you are in a very large group it may be impossible to meet everyone right away, so just include the nearest lolitas in your chat and be welcoming of any new comers.
•  Exchanging calling cards can be really fun, come prepared to the meet up with a set of your own. You can order them from office stores or hand make your own. Calling cards are really cute, I often display the calling cards of my friends on my pin board. 
• If you are unsure of what to talk about a great fall back subject is lolita, after all it's something every member of the meet up has in common! 
• If you are going to the snack table make it something social by both commenting of the refreshments and offering to pick up something for a member of your group. For instance you could say "I'm going to grab one of Margaret's amazing chocolate chip cookies. Would anybody else like one while I'm there?". 
• If you are asking anyone to do something for you preface the question with "please". This may seem really simple but you'd be surprised how little people say that one magic word. 
• Thank you, you're welcome and may I, as in "May I use your bathroom?" are also greatly appreciated.
• If you discover that you have a common interest with another member of the group, for example you are both sports car enthusiasts, it is great to have a discussion on the merits of the newest model, however it is impolite and can make others uncomfortable if you dominate a group discussion with a subject they are uninterested in. Have a one on one conversation about the topic so that your may connect with others in the group over another shared interest.
• If you like something somebody is wearing, or even one of their traits, it is highly encouraged to tell them. If you feel it might be a little weird you could preface the sentence with "I hope you don't mind me saying but...", that way if won't come off as creepy.
• If you find a particular activity of the meet up boring do not announce this to the group as it could embarrass the hostess. It is also unkind to whisper to others about how lame the meet up is. If you find yourself very bothered you should suggest a way to liven up the activity to the hostess in private.
• Always ask if you may take a photo of someone before snapping away. It is also wise to ask if you may post the picture online. My friend, Kaylyn, is applying to graduate school and asks to never have photos of her wearing lolita tagged as it may come across as unprofessional to those evaluating her application.
• If you say you will upload pictures of the event be sure to do so within the next few days, that way people can look forward to something even after the meet up is over. 
• At the end of the day you should make sure to tell the hostess how much fun you had and let everyone you met how lovely it has been spending time with them.

If you have any tips of your own be sure to let me know in the comment section!