Mind Your Manners

Founder of a global etiquette school and star of her own Netflix series Sara Jane Ho teaches readers how to thrive socially in a variety of situations, in person and online.

Etiquette, Sara Jane says, is the glue that holds society together. Humans are social creatures, after all—we need connection to survive. But with global cultures in flux and the post-pandemic digital age, shadow epidemics of anxiety and loneliness are on the rise. Plus, the old rules of “decorum” don’t match the times.

Amidst all this withdrawal and change, social growth can feel out of reach. How do we leave the comfort of our homes, step away from our screens, and interact face to face? How do we create genuine bonds with people we’ve just met, and how do we maintain those ties throughout our lives? Even the most resilient social butterflies among us face sticky situations—from accidentally-sent invites to unruly work and family encounters—any advice would help.

In her signature cheeky yet pragmatic style, Sara Jane Ho imparts a lifetime’s worth of lessons, pro-tips, and FAQs on social and digital etiquette across the five main microcultures in our lives: Friendship & Social Life, Work, Dating & Relationships, Family, and Food & Travel. From jumping everyday hurdles to discerning unspoken, cross-cultural cues, Mind Your Manners helps us feel the joy and transformation of social fluency—that deep comfort that comes from connection, inclusion, and presenting our best self in any situation.

• "Sara Jane Ho has enlightened me and The Drew Barrymore Show audience about the significance of systems as a guide for modern behavior. Whether it involves preserving age-old traditions or adapting to our evolving norms, Sara Jane inspires us to explore innovative approaches that enhance the way we interact with the world around us. With her remarkable wit and profound understanding, she serves as an exceptional mentor, showing us all how to navigate life with confidence and grace."
  Drew Barrymore
• “Sara Jane is the brilliant friend you wish you had—the one who intuitively knows the answers to your most awkward problems. In Mind Your Manners, she draws on her global perspective, empathy, practicality, and sense of humor to share that skill and help you develop it for yourself.”
  Vivienne Tam, fashion designer
• “Sharing food with others is one of life’s great pleasures. In Mind Your Manners, Sara Jane shows us how to be comfortable everywhere, from the most intimate gatherings to the grandest occasions. She understands that we are not only what we eat, but how we eat.”
  Jean-Georges Vongerichten, chef
• “Mind Your Manners is a master class in modern etiquette. I’m grateful to Sara Jane Ho for her pragmatic recommendations for living smoothly and confidently in our complex world.”
  Sally Susman, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Pfizer and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Breaking Through
• "The book reads like a delightful narrative nonfiction; there are no diagrams and illustrations, just stories, tips, and where needed, a short paragraph about seating arrangements and flatware usage. Also engaging is Ho’s discussion of different cultures and what is appropriate where and when. ... A must-purchase for libraries looking for up-to-date etiquette titles."
  The Library Journal