Mind Your Manners

Mind Your Manners

Chewing Gum: A Small Habit with a Big Cultural Story

Chewing gum may seem like a small everyday habit, but it carries thousands of years of history, culture and social meaning. From ancient Greek mastic and Mayan chicle to American pop culture and Singapore's famous restrictions, Tami Lancut Leibovitz explores chewing gum through the lens of modern etiquette: when not to chew in front of others, what chewing communicates through body language, and above all, how to dispose of gum politely and responsibly.

14.09.2026 8 min read

Mind Your Manners

Etiquette in the Air

A pleasant journey begins long before takeoff. This modern air travel etiquette guide explains how to behave thoughtfully at the airport and on board, from queues, security and hand luggage to personal space, reclining seats, headphones, children, seat swaps and respect for cabin crew. Practical advice from Tami Lancut Leibovitz, Master of Manners, for a safer, calmer and more courteous flight.

16.08.2026 15 min read

Mind Your Manners

“The towel war”

“The towel war” is one of the most familiar summer habits at hotel pools, resorts and beaches: a towel, flip-flop or water bottle placed on a sun lounger to reserve it for hours. This article explains when saving a seat is reasonable, when it becomes taking over shared space, and what simple etiquette rules can help everyone enjoy the sun, shade and summer atmosphere with more consideration and fewer unnecessary conflicts.

12.08.2026 5 min read

Mind Your Manners

Beach and pool etiquette

The beach and pool may feel informal, but they remain shared public spaces. From loud music and ball games to children, dogs, photography and reserving sun loungers with towels, this light yet professional guide explains how thoughtful behaviour can make the summer more pleasant for everyone.

22.07.2026 13 min read

Mind Your Manners

Etiquette as a Brake on Violence

Civility is not a weakness; it is restrained power. In a world where the "social fuse" is getting shorter, Tami Lancut Leibovitz explains why the transition from Soft Skills to Fine Skills is the only way to safeguard our society.

07.05.2026 5 min read

Mind Your Manners

The Israeli Paradox of Manners

Are Israelis truly less polite, or do we simply express manners differently? This article explores what I call the Israeli Paradox of Manners: a society often perceived as direct, outspoken and impatient, yet one that repeatedly reveals deep human warmth, solidarity and community responsibility. A reflection on modern manners, social intelligence (Fine Skills), and how civility can become a bridge of respect in a diverse and complex society.

21.04.2026 5 min read

Mind Your Manners

Shelter Networking

Art of Conversation and Networking in the Shelter – Tami Lancut Leibovitz. How do you turn a forced meeting in a safe room into a business, social opportunity, or even a chance for love? Discover "The Art of Small Talk" in wartime, and understand how "Fine Skills" serve as a bridge between different people under stress. On the power of listening, the importance of silence, and creating new connections in the heart of uncertainty.

15.03.2026 6 min read

Mind Your Manners

Road Etiquette in Israel

This article explores the direct connection between behavior, driving culture, and etiquette, offering a contemporary, professional, and practical perspective on how small behavioral changes can create a major impact — on the road and on life itself.

27.01.2026 3 min read

Mind Your Manners

Your golden rules for a golden hotel vacation

A hotel is much more than a location, it’s an experience and destination that arouses feelings, emotions, and memories. From business trips to weddings, we stay at hotels for a wide array of reasons. Now more than ever, we also expect more, we aim for a high standard of service, cleanliness, nutrition, and hospitality and sometimes, also expect luxury and elegance – depends on the kind of the hotel we choose.

19.07.2017 4 min read

Mind Your Manners

Polite Elevator Etiquette – What 30 Seconds Can Reveal

An elevator may be one of the smallest shared public spaces, but it reveals a great deal about consideration and social awareness. This updated guide covers who enters and exits first, where to stand, how to use the control panel politely, and what to do with phones, backpacks, children, pets and packages. It also addresses personal space, workplace privacy, accessibility and basic elevator safety. A short ride can be a surprisingly meaningful lesson in modern etiquette.

08.11.2010 7 min read