Honestly, being modern doesn’t mean manners are outdated. If anything, Gen Z has more ways than ever to show up with style, respect, and just the right amount of attitude. We’re tech-savvy, bold, and unapologetically ourselves—love that!
But let’s be real: even when life feels like it’s happening in DMs and memes, a little etiquette still matters. It’s not about impressing strangers or acting “old school”—it’s about gliding through life with fewer weird moments and way less drama.
From ghosting to group texts, I’m serving up some real talk on what makes life smoother. Here are 20 etiquette moves Gen Z should totally have in their back pocket (and no, “lol” isn’t an excuse).
1. Ghosting Isn’t a Vibe
Ever been left on read after a string of real conversations? Oof, that stings. Ghosting feels easier, but honestly, giving someone closure is just so much kinder.
Even a quick, “Hey, I’m not feeling it, but I wish you the best” can shift the energy for both people. It’s about respect—even when things get awkward or you’d rather just vanish.
Think of it this way: you’d want the same honesty back. The extra few seconds it takes can save days (or weeks) of confusion and overthinking. Respect, always!
2. Keep Meals Phone-Free
That group dinner isn’t just for the food pics. There’s something low-key magical about everyone being present—no scrolling, no distractions, just vibes (and maybe some fries).
Phones can wait; those in-person moments hit different. Even if your feed’s blowing up, nothing replaces genuine laughter with the people right in front of you.
Plus, putting your phone away says, “You matter—and I’m here.” Try it. The real connections you make will be worth every missed notification.
3. Gratitude Never Gets Old
The smallest thank-yous can flip someone’s whole day. It doesn’t matter if you’re at Starbucks or texting your boss, saying please and thank you just works.
It’s not about being formal—it’s about showing you see people, not just what they do for you.
Barista, boss, bestie, or delivery driver—everyone deserves a basic level of respect. And for real, it always comes back around.
4. Ask Before You Record
TikTok moments are fun until someone’s caught off guard. Not everything is meant for the internet, and asking before you record is a simple gesture that shows you get it.
Nobody wants to go viral for an awkward reason. Double check—“Mind if I get this?”—and actually care about the answer.
It’s about trust, boundaries, and not putting someone on blast without their green light. Basic, but often skipped.
5. RSVPs Aren’t Outdated
Ever planned something only to get ghosted on the day? It’s the worst. A quick “in” or “out” keeps everything running smoothly and saves your friends so much frustration.
No one wants to beg for headcounts or overbuy snacks that go uneaten. Even in a group text, your reply matters.
It’s old-school, but it’s also just grown-up. Keeping plans clear is the easiest way to keep friendships drama-free.
6. Wait for Your Turn—Really
Excitement is contagious, especially when you’re vibing with friends. But there’s power in letting someone finish their thought.
Interrupting can make people feel small or overlooked, even if you don’t mean it. Holding back until they’re done? That’s real maturity.
Give the floor, listen fully, then jump in. It’s more satisfying for everyone, promise.
7. Greet People by Name
Using someone’s name is like a mini shoutout just for them. It says you noticed, you cared enough to remember, and you’re not just going through the motions.
It’s the easiest way to break that awkward, “Do they know who I am?” energy. People light up when they hear their own name—it’s science!
Try it at work, in class, or even with new friends. It’s simple, but it hits every time.
8. Respect the “Vibe” of the Space You’re In
Blasting TikToks in the library? Yikes. The vibe of a space matters more than most people realize.
Some spots call for chill—like doctor’s offices, libraries, or quiet cafes. These aren’t the zones for speakerphone convos or impromptu dance battles.
Matching your energy to the space keeps everyone comfortable and shows you get the unspoken rules.
9. Don’t Overdo the Follow-Ups
One follow-up is totally fair. But when your name fills up someone’s notifications, it starts to feel a bit much.
If someone’s not replying, it’s usually a sign—not an open door for ten more messages. Give space and see what happens.
Relationships work best when both people want to talk. Don’t force it, and your energy stays protected.
10. Running Late? Say So
We all have those days where nothing goes right and you’re running behind. The move? Just let people know.
A quick text saying, “I’m five minutes out!” shows you respect their time, not just your own.
Nobody likes standing around wondering if you flaked. Communication keeps things chill—and shows you’re reliable, even when you’re not on time.
11. Keep Private Chats Private
Group chats are tempting places to drop receipts and screenshots, but not everything needs to be public. Trust is easy to lose and seriously hard to rebuild.
If someone shared something with you, they trusted you. Breaking that for “proof” or a quick laugh? Not worth it.
What feels juicy now can be major drama later. Protect your circle’s trust—it’s gold.
12. Tip Like You Mean It
If someone’s busting it to bring you good service, a 20% tip is just the baseline. Don’t skimp because “everyone else does.”
Tipping well is about recognizing real effort. It’s not extra—it’s expected, especially when someone goes above and beyond.
A little generosity rolls forward. Good energy comes back, and you never know who you’re cheering up with that move.
13. Dress for the Occasion
Fashion is freedom, but context is everything. You can rock your personal style and still get that some moments call for a different vibe.
Crop tops and joggers? Perfect for brunch, probably not for court or certain family functions. Adjusting doesn’t mean losing yourself—it’s just knowing what fits where.
Being intentional with your look shows you get the world around you, not just your own mood.
14. Make Smooth Introductions
Ever walk into a group and feel like an NPC in someone else’s story? Help your friends out. Introduce new people with a few details so nobody’s left out or guessing.
It’s not about formalities—it’s about creating instant comfort. Even a quick, “Hey, this is Sam, we went to high school together!” does wonders.
The more welcoming you are, the easier it is for everyone to vibe together. That’s real hostess energy.
15. Keep Calls Private
Speakerphone in a café? Hard pass. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
Pop in your AirPods or step outside. Respecting the space around you is a tiny way to make public life less chaotic for everyone.
It’s about being thoughtful, not just convenient. Save the speakerphone for when you’re home alone.
16. Watch Your Words Online
Sarcasm, jokes, or even just a period can get misunderstood over text. The tone you mean isn’t always what lands.
Double check before hitting send. If it could be taken the wrong way, tweak it until it feels right.
A little effort now saves a lot of drama later. Clarity wins every time.
17. Give Your Full Attention
Scrolling while someone’s talking? Ouch. Multitasking might feel efficient, but it’s lowkey dismissive.
Giving someone your full attention says, “You’re worth my time.” That’s rare, and people notice.
Next time you catch your thumbs drifting toward your feed, lock in and really listen. It makes every hangout better.
18. Respect Up and Down the Generations
You can keep your edge and still respect older generations. They’ve got stories and wisdom, even if you don’t agree on everything.
Instead of rolling your eyes, listen for a minute. Sometimes you learn, sometimes you teach.
Bridging that gap isn’t about losing yourself—it’s about getting the best of every era.
19. Mean What You RSVP
Saying yes to an invite and then flaking is peak chaos. Unless it’s an emergency, mean it when you commit.
People make plans around you, buy snacks, and save seats. When you show up, you show you care.
Consistency builds trust; empty promises wreck it. Be the friend who follows through, not the one everyone has to chase.
20. Take It Offline (Sometimes)
Drama doesn’t need an audience. Not every disagreement or big feeling belongs in a comment section or group chat.
Some stuff is better said face to face or in a private message. That’s where real understanding happens.
It takes guts to have tough talks offline, but it solves way more than a public callout ever could.