As AI and technology reshape how we work and communicate, the need for strong human connection, social awareness and in-person interaction may be becoming even more important.

A curious trend has quietly emerged in the modern marketplace: inquiries are flourishing, yet replies have become increasingly elusive. In this society-style reflection, Suzette Spann Scarborough explores modern communication etiquette, the rise of unanswered business inquiries, and why the simple act of acknowledgment remains a timeless expression of courtesy. She is the CEO and Founder of Envisioned Events by Suzette, Envisioned Travels by Suzette and Etiquette Speaks.

Respect, Presence, and the Way We Treat People It’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and it feels important to pause and reflect on what etiquette is—especially in our workplaces, classrooms, communities , and digital environments. Etiquette is often narrowly defined as a set of technical rules: which fork to use, how to dress, or how to navigate professional settings “correctly.” While those elements have their place, they are not the foundation upon which we build. At its core,