Making Etiquette Easy: Workplace Bullying

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By now, we should all know a thing or two about how social graces can keep us from embarrassing ourselves or others on a daily basis. But have you ever considered, when taken to extremes, a lack of etiquette can be termed bullying? An attitude here or there at the workplace is one thing, but when it starts to become a habitual act, you may be looking for a new job.

• Watch the Intimidation Factor: Many people think that if they create a bit of fear in the office, their employees or coworkers will respect them more. Of course no one wants to feel they can be trampled on, but fanning the flames of intimidation not only makes people uncomfortable, it is also unwarranted bullying.


• Equality for All: Whether unintentional or not, treating some employees differently than others is a gamble you don't want to take. As far as etiquette is concerned, people will notice and feel you are favoring certain individuals. To be fair, you must do what's right in the eyes of all. Things like race, religion, disabilities, or physical characteristics should be virtually invisible to you.


• Be Practical with Practical Jokes: Joking and humiliating creates camaraderie....at Bachelor Parties. The workplace is no place to single someone out, whether it's a bad haircut, a terrible presentation, or a nickname you think is perfect for the individual. It's impossible to predict how sensitively a person will respond to an insult, playful or not.


• Break the Cycle: If you do find you've been particularly hard on one or more employees and not the others, consciously make a choice to break the cycle and stop the behavior. It's never too late to try to make things right, and improved relations are destined in your future.

Making Etiquette Easy, Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Curse Words

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Bleep! A little slip here and there never seemed to kill anyone, but curse words can be the spoiler de jour in your professional life if you're not careful. Whether it's for camaraderie, out of emotion, or just a bad habit, it can really be a curse (pun intended). Here are some situations you should consider...and then add removing curse words from your vocabulary to this weeks to-do list:

• In the Office: With more than 250,000 words in the English language, exercising one of the 12 or so"dirty" words doesn't say much to compliment your intelligence, let alone get your message across with additional clarity. Not only that, but you don't know the moral DNA of every single person in your office, and your words may be not only offensive but divisive. Remember, if you're trying to effectively communicate a message, swear words distract and dilute the meaning.
  


• Via Email: Never include curse words in email content. For the same reason that you should never put anything in email that you don't want blasted to the world, curse words in emails come off as juvenile and immature. And besides, you'll never be able to revoke your misstep.
  


• On Social Media: Even if you manage to tame your tongue in the office, it doesn't give you license to go wild on the internet. Employees, potential business partners, clients, and children are able to see what you project about yourself. And while you may think it's funny, not everyone shares the same humor. The same goes people who post these words to your pages- delete them. Many people have been chastised or fired for the content on their non-professional pages.
  


• The bottom line is that there are so many differing opinions about swearing that it's best to be conservative. This way, you won't offend anyone. And chances are, you'll gain more respect for keeping things politically correct. The short of it: Button It Up Butter Cup!

Making Etiquette Easy,
Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Nosy Question Askers

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With so much personal sharing these days via Facebook and other social media sites, it can be hard to draw the line between what we are and aren't willing to share with others. And it's especially troubling when our friends, relatives or even acquaintances begin prying into our business, presuming we're ready to share our life story. So the next time someone presses your "are you kidding me?" button, remember these tips to get the conversation back to more neutral ground:

• Be Vague: If it's about the price of your new car, you can avoid the true answer by saying something like, "probably too much" or "I know, isn't it awesome?" Giving answers like this cue the nosey Nelly that you're not willing to put dollar signs on the table. If it's about something personal (i.e. the status of your relationship), you can say "things are going well" or "who knows what the future holds."


• Flip It: If the person is still digging, flip the question on them or ask them a completely different question. Would they like to go for a ride in your car? How is their relationship situation progressing? A lot of times, people are inquisitive because they'd also like to share their stories. Allowing them this pleasure can cut you some slack and get the attention off of you.


• Be Honest: Sometime people will stop at nothing for answers. If the topic is a sensitive one for you and you don't feel like opening up, let them know you've got a policy against sharing such private information. You can even let them know you've talked about it with your spouse/therapist/etc. and that you don't mean to offend them, but this is your personal space and you'd like to keep it that way.

Making Etiquette Easy,
Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Restaurant Goers

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Many of us eat out on a fairly regular basis, if not most nights of the week. With so much frequent dining, it can be easy to forget "what your momma taught ya" when it comes to table manners. Here are a few forget-me-nots (mom will be so proud!):

• Split it upfront: If you want to have separate checks, be sure to request them upfront, before ordering any drinks or food. This will help expedite the checkout process for you and the waiter.
• When you're waiting: It's okay to order beverages before the rest of your party arrives, but not food. When a new mate joins you, be sure to notify the waiter so that they can take their drink order.
• Wait until your ready: If you haven't had a chance to look over the menu or make your final selections, don't let the waiter linger. Let them know you need some more time to decide. The social cue that you are ready to order is leaving your menu closed on the table.
• Choose your course: Remember that not everyone in the group has to order the same number of courses. It's okay to order an appetizer, even if your co-diner doesn't want to order one. However, if you're ordering an appetizer in lieu of a main course, ask that it come out with the other entrees.
• Sharing: If you decide to split a single entree (we do this often due to the large portions being served these days), be sure to bump up the tip. Remember, the waiter would've received a higher tip if you had ordered more than one meal. Also ask that they plate the food on two plates for you before bringing it to the table.
• Think before you order: If you plan on chatting away while eating, you might want to order something that is conversation-friendly. Picking apart crab claws or crawfish might make conversing more awkward... and a little messy.

Making Etiquette Easy, Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Foreign Language in the Office

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Thankfully, we live in a country that is welcoming to many different cultures. In America, we pride ourselves on being the proverbial "melting pot." But the language barriers still remain and with those barriers come a few new social nuances. So just what is the best way to handle an office setting with multi-lingual employees?

• Establish a uniform language in the office. This language should be used in dealing with clients and other employees (unless the bilingual person was specifically brought on to speak their native language).
• Fluent multi-lingual employees should refrain from speaking in their native language (if different from the uniform language) while in the work environment except for professional purposes, i.e. you are on the telephone with someone who does not speak the "uniform" office language.
• Two people should never share a conversation in a foreign language in front of other employees (or anyone for that matter) who do not speak that language. This causes others to be suspicious and uncomfortable that what is being said is specifically not intended for them to hear. Also, you never know who may speak the language fluently and can understand conversations meant to be concealed.
• Be sympathetic if you are on the "outside" of a conversation. If you do find yourself in the middle of a foreign conversation, try to be understanding. There's a good chance they mean no harm and are simply enjoying practicing their native language.
  

Making Etiquette Easy:How to Respond When You're Not Sure

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We all know the situation well...that terribly awkward silence that ensues when someone asks something for which you should know the answer. Whether you're a professional who needs to brush up on your "stuff" or an interviewee who's caught like a deer in the headlights, everyone should know the social graces to get around the stammering, uncomfortable silence, and (heaven forbid) temptation to lie.

Follow these rules to appear you're prepared, even when you really aren't:

• Do not lie. No matter how large the conundrum; do not fabricate a response. Doing so could single-handedly ruin your reputation, or, what's left of it since you clearly didn't have the right answer. Resist all urges to pull together something 'smart,' since most folks can detect an insincere or "made-up" response from miles away.
• Pause, but don't quiver for long. It is perfectly appropriate for you to pause and collect yourself, especially to recall bullet point number one. However, after a short lull, you should be prepared to face the questioner and provide them with some semblance of a response. Staying silent will only cause confusion and embarrassment for both parties.
• Confess or redirect the conversation. Depending on the scenario, it may be best for you to respond with a "that's a great question." If you are unsure of the answer, but feel that you could seek it out through research, a colleague, or that the answer will be made known in the near future, offer to get back to the person.
• Be articulate but not political. Try not to let your nerves get the best of you. Say what you need to say to evacuate the situation in a politically correct manner, and then leave the topic in the dust. There's humility in being able to laugh and poke fun at your own shortcomings.
• Learn from these "what in the world just happened" moments. As soon as you are able, research your answer and rehearse how you could respond differently next time. While you can't know it all, at least you will be better prepared should the same topic arise in the future.
  

Making Etiquette Easy: TMI

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We've all heard the phrase, "too much information," or "TMI" for short. It's a blatant overstepping of boundaries when someone decides to reveal or discuss information we would have been just fine not knowing about in the first place. Bathroom humor and specifics about illnesses typically fall into this category. But what about the rest of the "gray" area - stuff that may or may not be that controversial to share - especially with our coworkers who've become like family?

It's almost impossible not to open up and let coworkers in on our lives, especially considering that we spend most of our waking hours, lunches, and sometimes even dinners with this group of folks. Here's our guideline for knowing what information you should and should not volunteer:

• Keep your "game" face on. Decisions about your character, your work ethic, etc. are being judged everyday at work. While you don't always have to have the facade of being perfectly astute and without mistake, everything is taken into consideration when it comes to advancement or promotion. It's hard for a boss or employer to not consider you a risk if, for instance, they're aware of your credit card debt, nasty divorce, or see you crying on a weekly basis because of personal issues.
• Keep your cards close. Many things will unavoidably be shared. For instance, you may be going through a divorce, leaving work for a death in the family, or making frequent trips to the doctor. Since many of these activities take away from your time at work, you can volunteer the reason, just do your best to keep personal details vague. Coworkers can appreciate your honesty without having to go through all the motions with you.
• Don't chat on the clock. If you do feel like confiding and sharing, save it for lunchtime or after work. Outside of the general, "how was your weekend" kind of greeting, you shouldn't be going through your minute-by-minute routine.
• Remember that it's a two-way street. Limit the amount of information you burden on your coworkers (remember, they're not getting paid for this!), but also, don't pry into the lives of others for their personal information.
• Share joys and keep the bummers quiet. As a general rule, if you've got something worth celebrating, like a new birth or wedding announcement, by all means let people know. But if you've got family drama or depressing news, keep it more private. The bummer items are great to take to your local minister or best friends outside of work.
• Finally, if despite all your best efforts, you're just not the type to differentiate between your 'work self' and 'personal self,' know and accept the fact that professional opinions will be formed and taken into account when corporate decisions are made.
  

Making Etiquette Easy: Nicknames

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You've got a new coworker in the office who introduces herself to everyone as "Elizabeth." Is it okay to casually drop in a "Liz" here or there? Read on for etiquette rules regarding nicknames, especially in the office:

• The introduction is the trump card. If a person introduces themselves to you as a certain name, than you have to assume that's what they prefer to be called. If not, let them be the one to tell you (i.e. "My name is Kathryn, but you can also call me Kathy.")
• If it troubles you to say someone's full name - or it's challenging to pronounce - you are free to ask if they prefer a nickname. If they say "no," you'll have to figure it out. Otherwise, you may open the door for a more familial relationship, especially if you volunteer a nickname for yourself.
• Never make up or use a name that isn't even associated with the person's name. For example, "Big Boss" or "Queen Bee." These terms can be taken offensively and land you in an HR or legal situation you hadn't bargained for.
• If you are the person whose name has been misused, wait for the next time you are addressed incorrectly and politely say, "Please, I prefer to be called _______." Your coworkers should quickly catch-on.
• Always remember that emotions are a tricky subject, and you never know if you are going to offend someone until it's too late. Be ready to apologize and mentally re-program the correct name into your memory.
  

Making Etiquette Easy: Handling Bad Hygiene "and other" Office Odors

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If you work in an office environment, you know about close-quarters with office mates. But this phrase takes on a whole new meaning when you throw in at least one employee who's hygiene and habits are not up to par. Maybe it's body odor, bad breath, heavy perfume or an overall disheveled look. Whatever the case, it can actually be distracting enough to lower the productivity in the office when the person is around. So what's a person to do in this situation?

• If you are a coworker, the best thing you can do is notify your boss politely and privately. Share your concerns about how it's affecting your work and possibly others'. If you're the boss, understand it's your responsibility to handle this situation. If you leave it up to others in the office, they might not be as politically correct which could lead to other problems.
• Don't play blind. If you recognize the smell, know that others do as well. Being proactive about something that is easily fixable is much better than bucking down and ignoring it.
• Be direct. Approach the person one-on-one in a non-confrontational and casual setting. Don't have a 'team meeting' to vaguely discuss hygiene with the office; offenders usually don't know they are in the wrong. The worst thing you can do is drop hints (i.e. giving them gum, toothpaste, etc.) without being fully honest.
• When you do approach the person, use phrases like, "This is a tough conversation to have" and "if it were me, I would want to be told." The key is to focus on the business aspect, not the personal nature of this complaint. Let them know it may be turning off clients or that there are just too many people in the office and every situation is magnified. Let them know that you are addressing this issue for their professional future and growth opportunities.
• Brevity is necessary. Don't linger on the subject. Once you're sure the offender "gets it," let them get back to work. Keep the conversation private and don't share any information with other employees.
  

Making Etiquette Easy: The Money Complainer

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Most of us have seen some hard times in our past and have, at one point or another, been at the mercy of a budget. So we can totally sympathize when one of our friends is reformatting his or her life in light of recent financial changes. But it's taken to a whole new level when all we hear about it how 'strapped' they are, and watching them turn bitter as their complaints keep broadening. You can be there for your friend while also being the voice of reason by following the etiquette tips below:

• Dealing with the Complaints: Acknowledge your friend's complaints by letting him or her know that you are sorry to hear of their trouble. Resist the urge to paint the silver lining, since you don't want to downplay their struggle. If they continue to pester you with the same remarks, say, "Yes, you mentioned that. Again, I'm sorry."
• Organizing Positive Meet-ups: It's likely that your friend won't be initiating any contact for a while as financial messes can end up making them feel trapped inside the house. Reach out to him or her and suggest things you can do together that won't cost anything. Think about picnics in the park, a Redbox movie night, or a walk at the park.
• Being Wary of Spending Habits: It's very frustrating to have a friend always discussing his or her lack of cash, only to find that they are wearing the latest designer shoes or carrying Apple's most recent invention. In this scenario, you should express your concern for the person by letting them know you've heard what they've been saying, but also see what they've been spending. Offer to talk openly about how they're dealing with the transition.
• Don't be Bothered: For some people, complaining about money might not even be a real indication of financial trouble. Ever met a straight A student who never felt like he or she did 'well' on a test? It's in some peoples' nature to shed a negative light on things. If this is the case of your friend, either ignore the remarks or politely point out that they're usually more responsible than they infer they are.
  

Making Etiquette Easy: Addressing Questionable Baby/Pet/House-sitters

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When someone enters your home, be it to guard the house, the lives of your children, or entertain your pets, it can be a nerve-wracking experience. You're placing your trust in an individual to treat your house or your family with utmost respect, but you never really know for sure (unless you install camera's) what goes on when you're gone. It's important to trust your instincts; if you think someone is not doing a good job, follow this plan:

• Always remember you are the boss. Set clear expectations, in writing if possible, and make sure to review everything thoroughly with potential sitters. If you get an inkling that they are not at all interested or paying attention to the seriousness of your notes or discussion, you can politely let them know that someone else will be handling it. (You need not disclose who, since you probably have yet to find someone).
• Ask Questions. You have every right to ask questions about how the days or weeks went. Since your pets and small children -or even the walls of your house- cannot give accurate updates, each sitter should be prepared to give an account for their time.
• Drop-In's are Alright. If you do have a suspicion, you can always go home and pick up something you 'forgot.' Especially with small children, this will bring you some peace of mind to know that the sitter is doing their job. If they aren't or you feel a red flag, you can call it an early night right then and there. Paying the sitter the full rate early is a small price to pay for your loved ones' and homes' safety.
• Don't Make the Same Mistake Twice. If you do find that the person responsible was acting irresponsibly (throwing parties in your house, forgetting to feed the dog, ignoring the kids, etc.), let them know that you won't be asking them back. And no matter how desperate you may be - don't ask them back!
• Be Truthful in your Recommendations. Neighbors or friends may ask about using your babysitter, house-sitter, or pet-sitter. Without spreading town gossip, you can simply say you don't recommend so-and-so, and leave it at that. People will be grateful for your honesty, and will hopefully feel more inclined to be the same way in the future.
  

Making Etiquette Easy: Consoling Broken Hearts

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In honor of Valentines Day - and for any of us who have ever spent this lovin' holiday solo - let's talk about what happens when the relationship does not go so well.. We've all had a friend call (or maybe we even made the call ourselves) to sob about a relationship's end.

• Don't Instigate. You may have heard there was trouble brewing, but never be the one to badger and ask your friend how things are going with their significant other if you smell trouble. Let them call you or be the one to volunteer information about what went wrong. Even as close as you are, breakups are a very private matter that need some time to heal before someone's ready to disclose details.
• Be a Good Listener. This goes without saying, but be available to listen, listen, and listen some more. Those whose hearts have been crushed can masterfully state the same principle over and over again with different words. Always listen, and create room for them to feel comfortable venting by asking questions like, "what else happened" or "of course, let's talk about this."
• No Slander. As tempting as it may be, don't focus any of your energy on the opposite party (the one who 'dumped' your friend). Your friend will most certainly have mixed feelings about him or her, and you never know that they won't get back together. This is an especially unfortunate error if the opposite party eventually becomes an in-law.
• Be Patient. You've got to be willing to buck-down and know that 90% of the conversations with your friend will revolve around this situation for weeks and possibly months. Be as sympathetic and understanding as you can. You never know when you'll need the same graces.
• Don't Talk about "Other Fish in the Pond." A breakup period is not the time to discuss all the other possibilities for dating. Your friend needs time to heal and feel comfortable in their own skin. The worse thing you can do is encourage rebound relationships, which only delay the real grieving process and end up being messy.
• Provide Healthy Distractions: Taking your friend to bars and clubs may seem like a no-brainer, but it doesn't really do much for their overall health. Spend time with your friend doing things to take their mind off of the breakup, not impair their memory. Concerts, dinners, movies, sports, church, etc. are all good suggestions.
• Don't Offer False Hope: The most important thing to avoid is falling into the trap of saying, "he/she will come back." Doing so provides false hope and only delays the reality that the relationship is over. Be kind to your friend, but be realistic. In the end, they'll trust you so much more.

Making Etiquette Easy: Handling Divorce Socially

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According to repeated statistics, the likelihood of divorce in the United States is high. And as unfortunate as it may be, none of us are in the place to step fully into one another's shoes to comprehend what they've gone through when couples decide to go their separate ways. What we can do, however, is politely and appropriately respond to our friends and colleagues with etiquette and respect.

When navigating around this difficult topic, here are some things to remember:

• In the Workplace: If you hear that someone is getting a divorce, a simple, "How are you doing? Please let me know if there is anything I can do," is an appropriate response. Offering your sympathies could be considered an unintended insult. Remember, most people like to keep their personal life separate from their work life, so always respect that first.
• Divorce Parties: While many are still on the fence about these celebrations of singledom, I'm a believer that there is always some kind of loss in this situation, and celebrating it- namely with gifts and alcohol - isn't the best way to go. Steer clear of conviviality in honor of this occasion.
• The Thought that Counts: While I'm also not an advocate of sending a 'divorce card,' a thoughtful call or note can be appreciated. Instead of focusing on the bad, try to suggest a night out to see a funny movie or going to dinner instead of ex-spouse bashing.
• Keep your Thoughts to Yourself: Even though you may disagree with the choices of another, you should always keep your thoughts to yourself once a decision has been made. This is to protect any children involved, as well as assure your continued professionalism and/or loyalty to the person.
• Don't Ask: Always remember that the affected person is the only one who has the right to bring up the matter of their divorce. Do not ask invasive questions or personal questions on the matter since you don't know all the facts.
  

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: A New Year at the Gym

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You've already read our initial rules for Gym Etiquette, but we've got a few more to share with you this time around. Since it is January, a month when gym memberships and usage typically jump up about 20 percent thanks to New Years' resolutions, it's the perfect time to get into the sweat and grime of some creative newbie- and veteran- mistakes. Thank you, WSJ, for reminding us of these hazards:

• Technology Shutdown: We all know (don't we?) that it's rude to talk on your cell phone while using exercise equipment. If you need to make a call - step out, and forfeit your machine. But you should also know that even having your phone on (awkward yoga class interruption, anyone?) or playing your own remix of tunes from your speakerphone are not cool.
• Salt & Water: Always wipe down your machines. Even if you didn't feel a mist, it's only right. And don't hog the water fountains, or -gasp - spit in them. These are fueling stations, not the bathroom.
• Machine Thieves: Since most gyms are like a cattle call this time of year, you can expect lines tens of people deep waiting on the machines. Don't be the person who walks up to an open one without checking the list first. Also know, it's not appropriate to sign your friends up for classes or machines if they aren't present.
• Knowing your place: If you've never tried a certain class - i.e. yoga or Pilate's, make sure to take your place in the back of the room if at all possible. This enables you to observe and learn, while not being a wobbly distraction to a very 'focused' practice.
• Be on the Lookout for Personal Trainers: Personal Trainers are everywhere. Make sure to check with them if you are about to use those extra dumbbells on the floor - or maybe that mat. Since trainers work in circuits, it can be easy to mistake an accessory as not being used, when really it is.

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Paying for Advice

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What is it our parents always said?,"If Joey jumps off the bridge, are you going to jump too? Learn from other people's mistakes." But the reality is, some us still learn the hard way - trial and error. As it is with my own professional experience over the years, I have a wealth of friends and resources who have achieved similar gains in their respective fields. This means I typically know who to call should I need sound advice about my taxes, a new home purchase, or even a wardrobe makeover.

When you seek advice from friends or colleagues, here are the things to remember:

• People work for money. Try to remember this principle when asking to borrow someone's time, especially if it is taking time away from their family. Always make the first move and offer to pay for their time/service. They may turn you down, of course, but you should always offer and at the very least, take them to lunch or drop by a small gift.
• Creative paybacks are acceptable. As stated above, your friend may not accept payment from you, but odds are they will accept another form of gratitude. Perhaps you can offer to assist them in the future if they have a need that falls under your professional umbrella. Think of it as the 21st century barter...
• When in doubt, don't compromise. If you get the feeling that what you're asking for is too much, too privatized, or putting your friend in an awkward position, back down. It's far more important to preserve the relationship than to settle your questions in the present. You can always ask your friend for recommendations of other professionals to reach out to.

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Shot Gunning the Front Seat

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For those of you who have kids - primarily teenagers for that matter- you know all about calling dibs on the front seat of the car. With family in town over the holidays, it seemed everyone was calling shot gun (even the adults!). It's in all of our natures to be a little self-serving when it comes to preferential seating, especially if it's going to be a long journey. And, there are some of us who get car sick in the back seat, but that's another story.

Here are a few guidelines to automotive seating graces:

• Hold Back: As hard as it may be for the go-getters in us, let others get into the car before you. Even if this means letting everyone else have choice seating, your patience will be noted.
• Age Matters: In the seating hierarchy, all grandparents or elderly should be offered the best seats in the car. This usually means the passenger seat or bucket seats immediately behind it, closest to the doors.
• Back of the Bus: All children should be seated in the back. Not only is this for their safety, but it certainly makes their appreciation for moving up a row something to celebrate years down the road.
• Take Turns: If you've got an unruly crowd, the best thing to do is to rotate. If it's your own family, you can make a chart. If there are multiple guests, invite the one who wasn't sitting up front on the way there to sit up front on the way back.

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Email Signatures

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Email signatures- how you sign off at the bottom of an email is intended to wrap up the message in a polite and thoughtful way. For the most part, it should go relatively unnoticed. But like many of you, I've found myself uncomfortable finishing emails in ways that seem too formal, far too casual, or just plain odd.

Since many of us wear different hats (boss, coworker, volunteer, parent, etc.), you'll want to be sure to use the right signature for the right situation. Here are some overall guidelines:

• Be Consistent: Abruptly changing your email signature to an individual or client can signal a change in emotion. For example, if you've been signing off with, "Looking forward to hearing from you," a change to "Thanks" can be seen as a brush-off. Try to keep the flow with the same signature.
• Think before you Send: Email signatures are mostly common sense. For example, you wouldn't want to send a complaint email ending in "Warmly." Make sure the signature is appropriate for the message.
• Superior Signatures: If you're emailing your boss or a superior, an attitude of gratitude is always appropriate. Opt for "Thank you" or "Thanks very much."
• Resume Sign-offs: If you're trying to secure a job, the basic signatures we all know and love work best. Use "Sincerely yours" or "Truly yours" to establish your loyalty.
• Non-Professional Signatures: With other parents, coaches, volunteers or committee members outside of work, the best signature to use is "Best" or "All the Best."
• Acquaintance Signatures: If you know someone, but not that well, or if you've dissolved a friendship/relationship, a polite and transparent "Warmly" or "Kindly" works well. If there is an ongoing conflict, "Respectfully yours" is a politically correct way to go.
• Family: This is the only category where "Love" is acceptable (and kisses, etc.).

When in doubt, you can always use the tried and true, "Kind Regards" to sign off any email. It may come off a bit formal to some, but as I've learned through life, I'd rather be 'too dressed up' than not.