Treska Roden, the 414th person I’ve met on my quest to have lunch with 500 strangers, teaches an art that seems outdated but is actually timeless – etiquette.

Treska is the owner of the International College of Etiquette, which she founded in 2010. The college teaches a range of pupils, from children who want to improve their social skills to executives who want to become better networkers. The syllabus can cover everything from setting a table to handing out business cards.

Etiquette, Treska explained, is just the practice of good manners, which is why it’s as relevant as it’s ever been.

People with good manners are more likeable, because they make others feel more comfortable, according to Treska. In a business context, they also seem more professional.

The other big advantage of having good manners is that it makes it easier to navigate social situations, which in turn makes you feel more confident.

Treska learned most of her etiquette from her mother during childhood; she, in turn, learned it from her mother, who was the principal of a girl’s finishing school in Berlin. As a child, Treska was expected to meet high standards around how she dressed, spoke and ate; eventually, these became habits that she’s maintained ever since.

If etiquette is in short supply these days, it’s not because people don’t want to display good manners – because most of us want to be poised and popular, Treska says. Rather, it’s because etiquette is rarely taught in households these days.

My lunch with Treska was both enjoyable and educational. And I can confirm that she was impeccably dressed, was an excellent conversationalist and had perfect table manners.