Step Up Your Small Talk & Social Life with Modern Etiquette | Spring Break Best Of | Emily Paulsen & Mariah Grumet Humbert

After 70 consecutive weeks of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, we are taking a Spring Break from new episodes to bring back some of our favorite conversations. First up is this gem with NYC-based certified etiquette expert and author Mariah Grumet Humbert. Spring is when our social calendars start filling back up, networking picks up, and we find ourselves back in rooms full of people we may or may not know how to talk to. This one could not be more timely.Mariah brings a modern, psychology-driven approach to etiquette, reframing it not as a rigid set of rules but as a practical toolkit for building confidence and deeper human connection. From navigating first impressions to gracefully exiting a conversation, handling rude social media comments, choosing the right host gift, and knowing when to finally put the phone down, this episode is full of real, usable wisdom for every kind of social situation.Key Takeaways: The Power of a Strong First Impression: Why the first seven seconds matter, and how to make them count.Mastering Social Exits: How to leave conversations gracefully without awkwardness or guilt.Body Language & Presence: How nonverbal communication shapes the way we’re perceived.Declining Invitations Without Guilt: Why you don’t owe anyone an excuse for saying no.Grief & Difficult Conversations: How to acknowledge loss and show up for others in a meaningful way.Authenticity & Etiquette: Why true etiquette isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, awareness, and kindness.The New Yorker Article Emily & Mariah talked about in the episode can be read here. —Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ —The guest on this episode is Mariah Grumet Humbert. As a certified etiquette trainer, Mariah is on a mission to bring an intentional sparkle back to a lost art. She believes etiquette is much more than just a set of rules, it is a powerful tool to help individuals build confidence, create stronger connections, and distinguish themselves. In her pursuit to redefine the meaning of etiquette, she helps her clients master the nuances of various social and professional situations with authenticity, consideration for others, and a strong level of emotional intelligence. Mariah founded Old Soul Etiquette in 2021 when she left her career in fashion to pursue her lifelong passion: empowering others to shine their light through her approachable and vibrant take on etiquette. Today, she works with individuals and organizations across the globe, offering private consulting, interactive workshops, webinars, and keynotes on topics such as social, dining, and business etiquette, first and lasting impressions, personal branding, the art of conversation and small talk, the power of your professional presence, and more. Mariah is based in New York City and is available to travel by request. Mariah is also the author of the modern wedding etiquette book, What Do I Do? and The Essential Wedding Planner. Her expertise has been sought after by The Today Show, NBC News, Fox News, Forbes, Southern Living, The New York Post, Travel & Leisure, Brides, Martha Stewart, and more. Learn More about Mariah on her website:www.oldsouletiquette.comAnd connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldsouletiquette/