RVANews » Tess Shebaylo

Richmond Proper: On contagious laughter

Tess Shebaylo — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:39:03 +0000

It's happened to him, to her, and to you. A moment so silly, so juvenile, yet so undeniably human: contagious laughter. This week, our guide to all that is proper tackles an interesting topic--what do we do when we can't stop laughing.

Richmond Proper: A winter compendium

Tess Shebaylo — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:55:45 +0000

It's been another banner year here at Richmond Proper. We've examined everything from street harassment, to proper condolences, to cycling, to parenting during these past twelve months. Let's wrap it up with a year-end collection of etiquette thoughts from seasoned professionals and tween bloggers alike.

Richmond Proper: To respond or not to respond, to warn or not to warn

Tess Shebaylo — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:00:08 +0000

This week's Richmond Proper answers what to do when you catch your friend cheating on their partner, and how do you turn down a request for second date when the first didn't go so well.

Richmond Proper: On rebellion

Tess Shebaylo — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:00:34 +0000

We all know that Richmond Proper adores order and exhorts her readers to live as peaceful an existence as possible. But this week, as a sort of rebellion perhaps, I'll address the subject of...rebellion.

Richmond Proper: Entertaining round-up

Tess Shebaylo — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:00:34 +0000

With the holidays fast approaching, we thought it would be a good idea to take down the the tome that is our on-going Richmond Proper article, blow away the digital dust, and look over some hard-and-fast rules to make the holidays more mannerly. For instance, what's the best way to set the table before dinner, and how should we interact with family members that we'd like nothing more than to punch in the face.

Richmond Proper: On vegan potlucking

Tess Shebaylo — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:00:32 +0000

This installment's question certainly strikes me as particularly Richmond-relevant. Tumblr user Sofisopaipilla asked: I'm hosting a vegan potluck, is it out of the question, crass, rude, icky to ask people to bring a meat-free dish to share?

Richmond Proper: On parental wedding gifts and feuding friends

Tess Shebaylo — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:00:43 +0000

As fall descends and party season ramps up, Richmond Proper seems to be accumulating more seekers of event-related advice.

Richmond Proper: On retail etiquette

Tess Shebaylo — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:00:57 +0000

Someone once said that if you really want to make the world a kinder place, require that all people work one full year in retail. That way people get to see first hand how unmannered and rude people can really be, thus inspiring workers to go into the world with a more munificent demeanor. Unfortunately, that won't happen. Luckily, we have Richmond Proper to right our wrongs.

Richmond Proper: The unruly parents of Carytown

Tess Shebaylo — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 10:53:53 +0000

I don’t make it out to Carytown much anymore, being an East Ender now, but the last two times I was there I witnessed some pretty egregious etiquette blunders on the same block of Cary Street. You know the one — Cary Court, Can Can, Sweet Frog, etc.

Ask Richmond Proper: Engagement timing and a cat-fight

Tess Shebaylo — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:30:09 +0000

Richmond Proper is back, my well-mannered ladies and gentlemen! This week I answer questions about timing The Big Question, and delve into the age old question of "what's with kitties!?"

Richmond Proper: Propriety of a modern cyclist

Tess Shebaylo — Tue, 17 May 2011 15:55:24 +0000

Learning to ride a bicycle is one of those childhood rites of passage that almost everyone goes through. Nowadays, with rising gas prices and an ever increasing downtown population, it only makes sense that people look for alternative means of travel. So what are the rules of the game when you take a bike into the streets? In actuality, they are the same as if operating a motor vehicle. Here is a rundown of things cyclists should be aware of.

Ask Richmond Proper: On celebrating Mother’s Day

Tess Shebaylo — Tue, 03 May 2011 10:00:40 +0000

A reader writes: is it proper for dads to celebrate Mother's Day for the mothers of their own children? My dad dismisses this and refuses to wish my mom a happy Mother's Day, saying "She's not my mother." Which is ridiculous.

Mother’s Day Guide to Etsy

Tess Shebaylo — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 15:19:12 +0000

Richmond pride is running high these days, and what better way to show it than to support local artisans? Here’s our third annual (!!!) Mother’s Day gift guide featuring mom-appropriate Richmond area goods.

Richmond Proper: On condolences

Tess Shebaylo — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 10:00:02 +0000

Expressing sympathy for those who have just lost a loved one seems to challenge most of us at one time or another. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind the next time you find yourself searching for the right words.

Richmond Proper: LOLcat edition

Tess Shebaylo — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 10:00:27 +0000

Because we have a lot to learn about manners from teh kittehs. And because it seemed like the right time.

Richmond Proper: On trolls

Tess Shebaylo — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 10:00:58 +0000

Those folks who only offer rants and vitriol are known as "trolls." A troll is the person who consistently posts spiteful comments ranging from threats to nonsensical babbling just to fill up space. Just to bother. Just to provoke.

Richmond Proper: On the St. Patrick’s Day pinch

Tess Shebaylo — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:00:19 +0000

Whether you just like celebrating any holiday that comes down the pike, or you truly want to show some Irish pride, there are plenty of good reasons for wearing green on St. Patrick's Day. However the perceived right to pinch people who are not wearing green has been taken a little too far.

The Smile Peddlers

Tess Shebaylo — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 23:47:48 +0000

A few local creatives have started SmileDials, a web-based service that allows you to send audio greetings to friends and family. More than just the latest in a string of tech startups to call Richmond home, SmileDials hints at the growing market for unique online services

Richmond Proper: On courtesy to one’s own family

Tess Shebaylo — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 11:00:05 +0000

"A myth exists that one of the pleasures of private life is the ability to drop manners and -- as people always put it when they assert the desire to be repulsive -- be themselves."

Valentine’s Day gift guide

Tess Shebaylo — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 17:00:20 +0000

The level of the relationship is of the utmost importance in selecting the right gift for your love. Here's a guide to either (1) inspire you, (2) make a no-effort decision for you, or (3) remind you that Valentine's Day actually does exist and is, in fact, coming up soon.

Richmond Proper: On street harrassment

Tess Shebaylo — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:00:20 +0000

I'm sure this is a nightmare you're well-acquainted with: You're walking down the street minding your own business, when suddenly a stranger squawks a bunch of nonsense at you, and you can't think of a great comeback until after you've already stormed off.

Richmond Proper: On Negative Nancys

Tess Shebaylo — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 11:00:13 +0000

In this darkest, coldest, and most depressing stretch of the winter, it seems particularly appropriate to discuss negativity. Friends, do not commit conversational suicide by being a Negative Nancy. Please, we love you and we want you to step back from the ledge!

Richmond Proper: On not being THAT GUY at the New Year’s Eve party

Tess Shebaylo — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 11:00:34 +0000

"New Year's Eve parties, being long and not carefully orchestrated -- as, say, a dinner is -- offer many opportunities for behaving badly, in ways one will suddenly remember with a sickening flash at breakfast the next afternoon." -- Judith Martin.

Best sledding in RVA

Tess Shebaylo — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 14:00:53 +0000

SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW!!!! Check out our picks for the best sledding spots all over the good old RVA. Have fun (and be sure to wear your mittens)!

Richmond Proper: On Holiday Tipping

Tess Shebaylo — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 15:30:18 +0000

It has long been considered a kind gesture to set aside a little something extra for the folks who perform routine services for you -- like the mailman and the babysitter. These are the people in the background, helping you get things done all year long. Why not show them how much you appreciate it this holiday season?

Chanukkah Q & A: The Messianic take

Tess Shebaylo — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 11:00:52 +0000

As the holiday season gets underway, all Chanukkah means to some of us is that there will be blue decorations alongside the red and green ones at the store. This year we asked for the Messianic Jewish perspective on the festival that continues to be so mysterious to the rest of us.

Richmond Proper: On office kitchens

Tess Shebaylo — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 11:00:32 +0000

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas most offices see an increase in food brought in to share, whether it's leftovers from a big family meal or an overzealous baking spree. Take a look at the following tips to keep office kitchens bearable despite the holiday influx.

Deck the halls with stuff from Etsy

Tess Shebaylo — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 11:00:23 +0000

Ready to snazz up your space for the holidays? Local Etsy crafters will hook you up with decorations that are fun, festive... and a little bit different. Before hitting up the mall this holiday season, consider supporting Richmond by buying local.

Ask Richmond Proper: On greedy guests

Tess Shebaylo — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 11:00:43 +0000

One reader asks our etiquette expert if her husband's boozing at a friend's wedding falls under expected party antics...or if it crosses the line to flat out rude. We'd love to hear your thoughts as well.

Ask Richmond Proper: On polite rejection in the online dating scene

Tess Shebaylo — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 16:00:29 +0000

I'm doing the online dating thing, and I need to know what to do when someone who you have no interest in messages you. Which is more rude: not responding or responding and saying "uh...nope"?