If you’ve just graduate high school and are moving on to college or the working world, you have to learn how to grow up pretty quickly. You’ll have to learn how to keep a job, pay your bills, balance your checkbook, apply for a lease, cook for yourself, do your taxes, keep your place clean– it can seem like a lot. However, there is also a lot of personal growth that happens during this time. You mature into a real adult, and learn how to handle adult situations and keep moving forward.

While basic life skills are essential, learning how to interact with other adults (like your bosses or professors) is just as crucial. In order to be taken seriously and be respected, there is a set of social skills that you need to master. Some may seem like common sense, but each of these is something I’ve had to make myself work on over the years. By adopting these habits, you will project the confidence, etiquette, and respect that you need to succeed in life:

-Say “you’re welcome,” instead of “uh huh” or “no problem”.

-Send out thank-you notes (or emails) when someone does something nice for you. This includes interviewing you for a job.

-Call elders and superiors “ma’am” and “sir”.

-Say “yes,” and “no,” instead of “yeah/yep/uh-huh/nope/uh-uh”.

-Do not say “I’m sorry,” unless you have truly made a mistake. Don’t apologize for simply existing, taking up space, or needing help. If you need to get around someone in a crowded area, say “excuse me.” If you need help with something, don’t apologize for not understanding. However, DO thank the person that helped you! Saying “I’m sorry” when you are not at fault makes you look weak.

-Cut down on using slang words like, “totally, basically, imma, gonna, kinda, like,” etc. in your speech. Absolutely do not use them in your writing- whether it’s a college paper or an email to your boss.

-Make eye contact with people you are speaking to, greet everyone with a warm smile.

Photo Credit: Reynermedia