By now you have probably seen or heard the news that US President Obama made an etiquette gaffe while visiting the Queen of England. He incorrectly interpreted a pause in the program as an opportunity to give a toast to the Queen; the British National Anthem drowned him out due to his bad timing. If you have seen the video, the Queen looks aghast during the proceedings.

Now, what should we make of this event?

The news media is analyzing and interpreting. Some say that Obama is not to blame, that he should have been briefed, that the orchestra leader should have waited, that the Queen should have been more gracious. Others say that Obama should know his protocol and it is his fault.

Here is my take:

The kind of Etiquette that most of us have to worry about has nothing to do with protocol with British royalty.

The protocols there are so intricate that it is almost like watching someone navigate a difficult obstacle course. It is like a sport, which is why the media loves to analyze every move of a prominent figure who goes to a royal event.

In regular life, etiquette is much more practical and relevant. It has to do with respect and civility in every day life. It is about having well-mannered conversations, making others feel welcome and respected, and coming across in a way that makes a great impression.

Few of us will ever have to worry about how to eat or take tea with the Queen, and unfortunately many etiquette courses still teach that stuff.

However, we all need to know how to have good table manners in formal and informal settings, how to meet and greet other people, give and receive gifts, say "I'm sorry" and accept an apology, dress appropriately, use the magic words Please and Thank You, use tact and discretion, recover from a mistake or accidental spill, and use the Internet safely and appropriately.

So, in my opinion, let's worry more about how we are behaving in our own lives. Let's worry about how well our children and teens are learning good habits that will help them win friends and succeed throughout life. Let's worry about whether our high school and college graduates have the business etiquette skills they need to do well at work.

That's where we focus at Etiquette Moms by training people to train children, teens, and adults modern etiquette in a fun, engaging way.

Of course, if your or I get invited to meet the Queen, or any other dignitary, that will be an amazing
experience and we can prep for it then.