Category: manners

How to Do Greetings Properly, Like a Gentleman—According to an Etiquette Manual From the 1880s

CARLYLE says: “What we call ‘formulas’ are not in their origin bad; they are indisputably good. Formula is method, habitude; found wherever man is found. Formulas fashion themselves as paths do, as beaten highways leading toward some sacred, high object, whither many men are bent. Consider it: One man full of heartfelt, earnest impulse finds out…


Gender Roles of Husband and Wife in the Home Based on 1880s Gentleman’s Etiquette Manual

The husband, in fact, should act toward his wife as becomes a perfect gentleman, regarding her as the “best lady in the land,” to whom, above all other earthly beings, he owes paramount allegiance.  HOME is the woman’s kingdom, and there she reigns supreme. To embellish that home, to make happy the lives of her husband…


A Gentleman’s Instruction Manual From the 1880s Explains How to Have Manners, ‘General Rules of Conduct’

IN society, everybody should receive equal attention, the young as well as the old. A high authority says, “If we wish our young people to grow up self-possessed and at ease, we must early train them in those graces by giving them the same attention and consideration we do those of maturer years. If we snub…


Eternally Elegant: 5 Etiquette Rules Every Lady Should Know

Being a lady is about more than how you sit, stand, talk, and walk—though we’ll cover that, too! A true lady shows respect for herself and others. Let’s bring back the golden days of good manners. Sit Like a Lady Some of us were lucky enough to have had grandmothers who taught us “Don’t slouch!”…


A Primer on Politeness, From the ‘Complete Handbook for the Use of the Lady in Polite Society’

In preparing a book of etiquette for ladies, I would lay down as the first rule, “Do unto others as you would others should do to you.” You can never be rude if you bear the rule always in mind, for what lady likes to be treated rudely? True Christian politeness will always be the…


How to Be Respectful

There are several basic rules of common courtesies that need to be followed when interacting with others for social or business purposes. To ensure they’re not forgotten, here’s a brief refresher course. Make Eye Contact In addition to it being rude, it’s very disconcerting to talk with someone when they avoid making eye contact. Eye…


Motivating Boys to Become Better Young Men

Parents, being adults, try desperately to talk with their sons about deep feelings. They fear their sons are hiding their emotions and that’s causing all sorts of problems behaviorally. Pushing most boys and young men to “open up” and express emotions can backfire. They often shut down. While it’s important to not bottle all emotions…


The Art of Digital Etiquette

With texts, messaging, and emails increasingly replacing many phone calls and in-person conversations for personal and business purposes, we’ve compiled several tips to help improve online communication skills. Make a Good Impression Just as you’d start an in-person or phone conversation, open with “Good Morning!” or a similar greeting. For first-time texts or emails, introduce…


‘Where Are All the Men?’ This Vintage Manual on Manners From the 1880s Can Make a Gentleman Out of You

The following is an excerpt from “Our Deportment,” a code of manners, conduct, and dress of refined society by John H. Young A.M., published in 1881. We offer it in hopes of promoting gentlemanly conduct among men—young and older—in today’s sometimes unbalanced and undisciplined world. Our Manners. A rude person, though well meaning, is avoided by…