One thing is certain, no novice should ever begin her social career by attempting a formal dinner, any more than a pupil swimmer, upon being able to take three strokes alone, should attempt to swim three miles out to sea.
Courtesy demands that you, when you are a guest, shall show neither annoyance nor disappointment – no matter what happens.
The fault of bad taste is usually in over-dressing. Quality not effect, is the standard to seek for.
To tell a lie in cowardice, to tell a lie for gain, or to avoid deserved punishment – are all the blackest of black lies.
The natural impulses of every thoroughbred include his sense of honor; his love of fair play and courage; his dislike of pretense and of cheapness.
The only occasion when the traditions of courtesy permit a hostess to help herself before a woman guest is when she has reason to believe the food is poisoned.
Golf is a particularly severe strain upon the amiability of the average person’s temper, and in no other game, except bridge, is serenity of disposition so essential.
Custom is a mutable thing; yet we readily recognize the permanence of certain social values. Graciousness and courtesy are never old-fashioned.
Rather be frumpy than vulgar! Much. Frumps are often celebrities in disguise – but a person of vulgar appearance is vulgar all through.
Jealousy is the suspicion of one’s own inferiority.
No rule of etiquette is of less importance than which fork we use.
If God had intended for women to wear slacks, He would have constructed them differently.
A lady never asks a gentleman to dance, or to go to supper with her.
Who does not dislike a “boneless” hand extended as though it were a spray of sea-weed, or a miniature boiled pudding?
Consideration for the rights and feelings of others is not merely a rule for behavior in public but the very foundation upon which social life is built.
There is little you can do about the annoying speech mannerisms of others, but there is a lot you can do about your own.
When you see a woman in silks and sables and diamonds speak to a little errand girl or a footman or a scullery maid as though they were the dirt under her feet, you may be sure of one thing; she hasn’t come a very long way from the ground herself.
The only extra plates ever permitted are the bread and butter plates which are put on at breakfast and lunch and supper above and to the left of the forks, but never at dinner.
Thus Best Society is not a fellowship of the wealthy, nor does it seek to exclude those who are not of exalted birth; but it is an association of gentle-folk, of which good form in speech, charm of manner, knowledge of the social amenities, and instinctive consideration for the feelings of others, are the credentials by which society the world over recognizes its chosen members.
Would you know the secret of popularity? It is unconsciousness of self, altruistic interest, and inward kindliness, outwardly expressed in good manners.