Tuesday, May 5, 2009

The Language of the Ninteenth Century Etiquette

Men Etiquette:

Always-
  • Wear Gloves on the street, in church & other formal occasions, Except when eating or drinking
  • Stand up when a lady enters the room
  • Stand up when a lady stands up
  • Offer a lady your seat if none are available
  • Assist a lady with here chair
  • Retrieve dropped items for a lady
  • Open doors for a lady
  • Help a lady with her coat
  • Offer to bring a ladys refreshments if they are available
  • Offer your arm to escort a lady
  • Remove your hat when entering a building
  • Never stare at any one
  • Lift your hat to a lady when she greets you in public
  • If the lady with whom you are walking is saluted by another gentleman, acknowledge the same by removing your hat
  • Should you desire to converse with a lady you should happen to meet, do not detain her, but turn and walk in her direction
  • While walking with a lady in a crowded thoroughfare and obliged to proceed singly, the gentleman should precede her to clear the way and the gentleman should take the side next the street

Never-

  • Refer to another person by their first name in public
  • offer your hand to a lady upon introductions ( a life of the hat and bow are most refined)
  • Curse or discuss vulgar or "impolite" subjects when ladies are present
  • leave a lady you know unattended, except with permission
  • Use tobacco in any form when ladies are present
  • Greet a lady verbally in public unless she acknowledges you first
  • eat or drink while wearing gloves

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