Is there a difference between good manners and good social skills?
Yes. Ideally, good manners are linked with consideration for others – but I’ve seen a few people use etiquette as a weapon. People can memorize an etiquette book and never make a mistake – and constantly antagonize others with all their “perfection.” Good manners are a cultural code. What’s good manners in one culture sometimes is NOT, in another. But good social skills entail the ability to interact effectively, with flexibility, depending on the situation and on the expectations of others. The skills also include the ability to “read” other people, so as to know what those expectations might be.
