Modern Etiquette: How Do We Navigate Social Situations with Confidence and Grace? My Conversation with Mariah Grumet Humbert
What does etiquette really mean in today’s world? How do we balance being polite with being authentic? And do we still need these societal standards—or should we leave them behind?
Recently on Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, I spoke with Mariah Grumet Humbert, a certified etiquette expert who is redefining etiquette—not as outdated rules, but as a tool to help us feel more confident, communicate more clearly, and build stronger connections.
We talked about first impressions, social exits, digital etiquette, and the small shifts that change the way we show up in the world.
The Surprising Power of First Impressions
We’ve all heard that you only get seven seconds to make a first impression, and while that might sound intimidating, Mariah shared an important shift in perspective:
Presence matters more than perfection.
Your energy speaks louder than your words.
A warm smile, eye contact, and open body language do more than obsessing over what to say.
Instead of worrying about making a perfect first impression, Mariah encourages us to focus on how we want people to feel when they’re around us.
How To Leave Conversations, Sans Awkwardness
We’ve all been there—stuck in a conversation we don’t know how to leave. Mariah shared a simple but game-changing insight:
Saying “I’m going to grab a drink” isn’t an exit strategy—it’s an invitation to be followed.
Instead, use a closed statement like: “It was so great talking to you! Enjoy the rest of your night.”
Using a closed statement politely closes the conversation so you can move on to talk to other people.
Social Media Etiquette: When to Engage, When to Ignore
What do you do when someone leaves a negative or pointed comment on your post?
Mariah’s advice? Delete, block, move on.
Not every comment deserves a response. Protecting your energy is always a valid choice.
We also talked about how digital etiquette is reshaping social norms, and why constantly checking your phone in social settings might be sending the wrong message—even when you don’t mean to.
Curious About Social Confidence?
If social situations have ever made you feel anxious, awkward, or second-guess yourself, try these actionable steps from our conversation:
Practice your exit strategy. Before your next event, think of a polite but firm way to end a conversation when needed.
Put the phone away. If you wouldn’t take out a book and start reading during a conversation, your phone probably doesn’t need to be out either.
Make first impressions about connection, not perfection. A warm smile, eye contact, and genuine presence go further than the “perfect” words.
Say no without guilt. You don’t need an excuse to decline an invitation. “I won’t be able to make it, but I hope it’s a great night!” is enough.
Set digital boundaries. If negative comments drain your energy, delete them, block, and move on. Not every comment needs engagement.
Let’s Stay Curious Together
I’d love to hear your thoughts—what’s one social interaction that always feels tricky for you? Join the conversation on Instagram at @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.
