Category: manners

50 Tips for Cultivating Gentlemanly Manners and Conduct From an 1800s Handbook on Etiquette

The following is an excerpt from “The Gentlemen’s Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness” by Cecil B. Hartley, published by Locke & Bubier in 1875.  [FIFTY] HINTS FOR GENTLEMANLY DEPORTMENT. ALWAYS avoid any rude or boisterous action, especially when in the presence of ladies. It is not necessary to be stiff, indolent, or sullenly…


Rules for Church From a Vintage Gentleman’s Guidebook on Manners From the 1800s

The following is an excerpt from “The Gentlemen’s Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness” by Cecil B. Hartley, published by Locke & Bubier in 1875. ETIQUETTE IN CHURCH. It is not, in this book, a question, what you must believe, but how you must act. If your conscience permits you to visit other churches…


Master the Dancefloor: A Gentleman’s Guide to Ballroom Etiquette—From a Classic Manual on Manners

The following is an excerpt from “The Gentlemen’s Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness” by Cecil B. Hartley, published by Locke & Bubier in 1875. OF all the amusements open for young people, none is more delightful and more popular than dancing. Lord Chesterfield, in his letters to his son, says: “Dancing is, in itself, a very trifling…


Imparting Dignity

Recently, a magazine editor told me that he hopes his writers ennoble their readers. Now, there’s a word rarely heard these days. His comment sent me to my online dictionary for specifics, where I found the definition he doubtless intended: “to lend greater dignity or nobility of character to.” Certainly a worthy goal, and one…


‘Never Criticize Any Dish’: A Gentleman’s Guide to Table Manners, From an 1875 Manual on Etiquette and Politeness

The following is an excerpt from “The Gentlemen’s Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness” by Cecil B. Hartley, published by Locke & Bubier in 1875. IT may seem a very simple thing to eat your meals, yet there is no occasion upon which the gentleman, and the low-bred, vulgar man are more strongly contrasted, than when at…


How to Master Manners—and Yourself—Like a Gentleman, From an 1875 Manual on Etiquette and Politeness

The following is an excerpt from “The Gentlemen’s Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness” by Cecil B. Hartley, published by Locke & Bubier in 1875. REAL politeness is the outward expression of the most generous impulses of the heart. It enforces unselfishness, benevolence, kindness, and the golden rule, “Do unto others as you would…


How to Conduct a Conversation Like a Gentleman—From a Manual on Etiquette and Politeness From 1875

The following is an excerpt from “The Gentlemen’s Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness” by Cecil B. Hartley, published by Locke & Bubier in 1875. ONE of the first rules for a guide in polite conversation, is to avoid political or religious discussions in general society. Such discussions lead almost invariably to irritating differences of opinion,…


Unusual Etiquette: Little-Known, yet Critical Manners

It’s not uncommon to encounter people from far-away places whose etiquette seems odd, which is why it’s best to know how to behave under all circumstances. Shake Hands, But Not Yet The act of shaking hands was first recorded by the ancient Sumerians and is said to have developed as a way for strangers to…


How to Have Table Manners Like a Gentleman From an 1800s Manual on Etiquette in High Society

Table Manners and Etiquette. IT is of the highest importance that all persons should conduct themselves with the strictest regard to good breeding, even in the privacy of their own homes, when at table, a neglect of such observances will render one stiff and awkward in society. There are so many little points to be observed,…


An Evening Out: Etiquette for Dining With Friends

It’s too easy to get caught up in work and family issues, so make time to sit across from friends and tell stories, enjoy a good meal, and take a break from everyday stress. Here are a few tips to make sure everyone has a great time. Pick a Convenient Location Get everyone’s input when…