CORRECT ETIQUETTE

Hello Everyone,

"Good manners and knowledge maketh a man."

  -- Henry Bradshaw.

                    The secret of living successfully among our fellowmen and women lies in our power to adjust ourselves. If other people's behaviour acts on our nerves or if our own manners constantly cause irritation to others, ours will not be a pleasant society. Ill-bread people are continually annoying one another.

                   The most truly courteous man or woman is the one who considers what effect his speech or actions have on the person with whom he is dealing. There is a natural courtesy which is really of more value than any code of manners, but unless we are experienced people, we may often commit blunders which, though quite unintentional, may cause embarrassment to ourselves and to our associates. It is therefore valuable to be able to learn the points of etiquette, which are accepted in society.

                 On being introduced for the first time one says: "How do you do?" but no answer is expected of this question. It is not an inquiry after one's health but merely a polite phrase.

                It is not correct to ask a long string of personal questions of a new acquaintance, nor to offer details of your own family life. Later if you wish to continue your friendship, further details of personal history may be exchanged. Introductions are far less formal nowadays than they used to be.

               It is correct to return a call within a week. The rules of procedure which govern return calls are exactly the same as those for first time.

              When a friend is ill, and is not allowed to see visitors, it is nevertheless cheering for her to know that people have not forgotten her. One can get over this by leaving cards  marked "To enquire after Miss S".

          When one has been invited to dinner or other formal functions, one should leave cards at the house of the hostess a few days after wards. Whether one had been present or not. This is acknowledgement of the hostess's courtesy in sending the invitation.

                In the olden days, children learned the elementary rules of politeness in the nursery, and there was no need to include  them in any book of etiquette.

            Habit is a most important factor in human nature, and therefore it is necessary to get children into habits of good manners from a very early age. A child should be taught is to say "Please" and "Thank you." Children should be encouraged to talk freely. Parents should  try to teach a happy medium. Little boys can be taught to be small gentleman.      

           Children's shoes should never be high-heeled. Besides looking ridiculous, they are  very bad for the ankles and prevent strong growth of the muscles of the foot and leg.

          Travelling can be an extremely enjoyable as well as an educational persuit, if traveller makes his arrange with care and does his best to fit in with surroundings as far as possible.

            The first and vital thing to do is to make sure that you have enough money to cover the expenses of the journey. Nothing is so embarrassing as to find oneself in a strange place without suffiecient money for ones's needs.

            As with every special department in life, there are certain traditions which have to be learnt when making sea voyage. First is,never never to trespass on the bridge, nobody must go there unless expressly invited by the Captain.

              Do not adopt a superior attitude over life-boat drills and think that they are merely foolish.

                Many people allow themselves to be more worried than necessary over tips. A little common sense and judgment are all that is required to assess the fair amount to give.

            In hotels and restaurants, ten per cent of the bill is given to the waiters. Never allow your servant to shut the door in the  face of acaller. If he cannot admit the caller immediately,he should leave the door open while he goesto inquire what to do.

              When you are talking to people, look them straight in the face. Avoid nervous movement of the fingers when talking to people. This suggests lack of confidence in yourself.

               If you have been to a party and going home very late, do not shout "goodbye" to your host, you will disturb all sleeping  occupants so go home quietly. Don't grumble at your wife or husband in the presence of other people.

         Do not talk of your wife as "Mrs Z" or your husband "Mr Z" say "My husband" or "My wife"as the case may be,unless you know the person you are conversing with well enough to use your partner's first name when talking.

          A gentle never makes a joke of a doubtful nature in the presence of a lady. Never, under any circumstances, use bad language in public, or in any place where ladies are present. Such behaviour would brand you at once as having no breeding.

           Never introduce yourself to anyone by saying I am Mr. John say "My name is John. "Married ladies only are permitted to use to use their courttesy titles when introducing themselves. They may say "I am Mrs John."

               Avoid making unpleasent noises in company. Do not clear the throat loudly, On no account spit except in the bathroom. When coughing, always hold a handkerchief or the hand before the mouth.

              Ostentation or showingoff, in any form, is very bad taste. A well-bred person avoids at all  costs dress, behaviour, or speech which draws attention to himself or herself.

              It is a most objectionable habit to dispose of your rubbish by throwing it out of the window or dropping it in the street. Safety pins should never be used as a visible part of a person's attire.

          A well-bred person is always courteous to servants. If you have to reprimand one of your servants,do so in private,after your guests have gone.

             It is extremely bad manners to turn around and stare at a person, eitjer in the street or in any public place. Never pick your teeth or clean  your nails in public.

             A lady or gentleman does not make unkind remarks about people merely for the sake of being clever. It is always better to take the charitable view of another person's conduct.

             Etiquette in respect to every aspect of daily life, has been considered: politeness, tipping, modes of speech and travelling.

Note- There is natural courtesy which is really of more value than any code of manners, but unless we are experienced people, we may often commit blunders which, though quite, unintentional may cause embarrassment to ourselves and to our associates.

Thanks