Page 21 - Copshaholm Curriculum Book_2015

Male and Female Etiquette 5

Basic Social Rules

for Ladies

A proper young lady had to learn rules of etiquette that almost had
the force of morality in Victorian life-from how to walk down the
street, or eat fruit genteelly (first peeling it with a silver knife and cutting it in bite-size
morsels), to how to behave in every social situation.

These rules for social behavior were gathered from many written sources that were
written during the Victorian era.

Always

$ Graciously accept gentlemanly offers of assistance.
$ Wear gloves on the street, at church and other formal occasions, except when

eating or drinking.
$ When crossing the street, one must lift her dress a bit above the ankle while

holding the folds of her gown together in her right hand and drawing them toward
the right. It was considered vulgar to raise the dress with both hands as it would
show too much ankle, but was tolerated for a moment when the mud was very
deep.
$ When introduced to a man a lady never offers her hand, she merely bows politely
and says, AI am happy to make your acquaintance.@

Never

$ Refer to another adult by his or her first name in public.
$ Grab your hoops [of your hoop skirts] or lift your skirts higher than is absolutely

necessary to go up stairs.
$ Lift your skirts up onto a chair or stool, etc.[to sit down].
$ Sit with your legs crossed (except at the ankles if necessary for comfort or habit).
$ Lift your skirts up onto the seat of your chair when sitting down (Wait for, or if

necessary, ask for assistance when sitting down at a table or on a small light
chair).
$ Speak in a loud, coarse voice.

partially taken from AThe Gentleman=s Page: A Practical Guide for the 19th Century American Man@
website