Page 18 - Copshaholm Curriculum Book_2015

Male and Female Etiquette 2

Basic Social Rules for Gentlemen

Demeanor
$ A good manner is the best letter of recommendation

among strangers. Civility, refinement and gentleness
are passports to hearts and homes, while
awkwardness, coarseness and gruffness are met with
locked doors and closed hearts.
$ Never scratch your head, pick your teeth, clean your
nails, or worse of all, pick your nose in company; all
these things are disgusting. Spit as little as possible
and never upon the floor.
$ If you are going into the presence of ladies, beware of onions, spirits and
tobacco.
$ It is a great thing to be able to walk like a gentlemanBthat is, to get rid of that
awkward, lounging, swinging gate of a clown and stop before you reach the
affected and flippant step of the dandy. In short, nothing but being a gentleman
can give you the air and step of one.

Men at the Table
$ Do not play with the table utensils or crumble the bread.
$ Do not put your elbows on the table, or sit too far back, or lounge.
$ Do not talk loud or boisterously.
$ Be cheerful in conduct or conversation.
$ Never, if possible, cough or sneeze at the table.
$ Never tilt back your chair while at the table, or at any other time.
$ Do not talk when the mouth is full.
$ Never make a noise while eating.
$ Do not open the mouth while chewing, but keep the lips closed. It is not

necessary to show people how you masticate your food.
$ Never indicate that you notice anything unpleasant in the food.
$ Eat soup with the side of the spoon, without noise.
$ If you wish to be served with more tea or coffee, place your spoon in your saucer.
$ If a dish is presented to you, serve yourself first and then pass it on.
$ If a course is set before you that you do not wish, do not touch it.
$ Use a napkin only for your mouth. Never use it for your nose, face or forehead.

In America, with the exception of dancing, which is almost wholly confined to the
unmarried of both sexes, all the enjoyments of the men are found in the absence of
women. They dine, they play cards, they have musical meetings, they have suppers
all in large parties, but without women.

In the Presence of Ladies
$ Civility is particularly due to all women; and, remember, that no provocation