Life Lesson #24: Good manners are always in style!
Like some of you, I’ve been known to spend hours reading an etiquette book. I’m especially intrigued to see how some “good manners” have stayed the same for a very long time while others have evolved–although I’m not sure always for the better.
Simple table napkins always bring to mind good manners. By the way… Did you know that one of the earliest references to a table napkin was in the late 1300s?
Lest you think I’m one who considers it rude to stray a bit from the etiquette book–Heavens no! But I am someone who very much appreciates good manners and knowing when–and when not–to follow the suggested rules of appropriate behavior.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where the “polite”response was not the “proper” response? I sure have. I know not everyone agrees, but in those cases, I say it’s RUDE if you put proper before polite. Learning to “go with the flow” is good manners, too, you know.
Now’s your chance… Anybody have a “manners” soap box you need to climb on? Go for it–with my blessing!
This is part of a 31-day series. If you missed previous Life Lessons, they’re all listed HERE.
I do! I love reading etiquette books, and my favorite is Miss Manners’ Guide to Rearing Perfect Children. Hilarious, but also very wise!
Me, too. I thought I was the only one. Hmm. Yes, I do have a few peeves. hahaha. Just a few.
Let everyone exit an elevator or doorway before you barrel through.
Do not eat off if my plate. Grrrr!
Chew with your mouth closed. It greatly helps with the please don’t smack issue. Also, please don’t slurp your drink.
Don’t share my napkin.
Okay, I will stop now. But, pretty basic. Don’t you agree?
My favorite manners antidote is as follows: While at an elegant dinner party, one of Savannah’s social elite (in his opinion) addressed another gentleman’s placement of his knife. He said, “my mother taught me that one should never place one’s knife in that position”. Sitting near by and not one to hold my tongue, I said to Mr. Socialite, “My mother taught me that one should never critique a friend’s manners in public company”. Of course, I may have thus broken mother’s own rule but indirectly.
I love to read etiquette books and once thought about starting an etiquette school but while I was procrastinating someone else did.
Have a blessed day,
Ginger