JNL
Cyburbian
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- 2,449
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A co-worker has unearthed a copy of 'Etiquette for Women: A Book of Modern Modes and Manners', first published 1902 in London. Thought I should share some of the words of wisdom.
Chapter XXIII: Things to Refrain From
Don't, whatever the fashion may be, wear a lot of jewellery.
Don't wear a number of diamonds or other precious stones by day; it is never in good taste.
Don't speak to attendants in shops, or to servants, or anyone else in an inferior position in life to yourself, as though they were dogs, neither gush at them nor be familiar. Maintain a genial dignity, and a gracious kindness and consideration which will win esteem and respect.
Don't eat in the street.
Don't behave in the street in a way to attract attention by rolling about, attitudinising, shrieking with laughter.
Don't wear a large number of rings; it looks vulgar, and does not show the beauty of the rings or of the hands. To wear a few rings shows the beauty of both.
Don't speak of persons by their Christian name directly you get to know them.
Don't speak of a person as "a swell"; keep the expression to apply to the ocean.
Don't cut or bite your bread at lunch or dinner, or make crumbs.
Don't ask for a second helping of soup or fish.
Don't pass up your plate for a second helping, but let the servant pass it.
Don't wear thick shoes or boots to a dinner, or any other evening party.
Don't use the word "dress" when you are speaking of a gown; say "gown" or "frock".
There's 118 pages of this stuff, including advice on how to conduct oneself at a luncheon party, how to handle a broken engagement, and how to get into a carriage!
What I want to know is, how exactly do you eat your bread?
Chapter XXIII: Things to Refrain From
Don't, whatever the fashion may be, wear a lot of jewellery.
Don't wear a number of diamonds or other precious stones by day; it is never in good taste.
Don't speak to attendants in shops, or to servants, or anyone else in an inferior position in life to yourself, as though they were dogs, neither gush at them nor be familiar. Maintain a genial dignity, and a gracious kindness and consideration which will win esteem and respect.
Don't eat in the street.
Don't behave in the street in a way to attract attention by rolling about, attitudinising, shrieking with laughter.
Don't wear a large number of rings; it looks vulgar, and does not show the beauty of the rings or of the hands. To wear a few rings shows the beauty of both.
Don't speak of persons by their Christian name directly you get to know them.
Don't speak of a person as "a swell"; keep the expression to apply to the ocean.
Don't cut or bite your bread at lunch or dinner, or make crumbs.
Don't ask for a second helping of soup or fish.
Don't pass up your plate for a second helping, but let the servant pass it.
Don't wear thick shoes or boots to a dinner, or any other evening party.
Don't use the word "dress" when you are speaking of a gown; say "gown" or "frock".
There's 118 pages of this stuff, including advice on how to conduct oneself at a luncheon party, how to handle a broken engagement, and how to get into a carriage!
What I want to know is, how exactly do you eat your bread?