Monday, November 19, 2012

Etiquette

table manners

I found a book on etiquette once that belonged to my mother when she was in school.  They had actual classes on it!  Can you believe that?  Most of the material in the book was out-dated and somewhat pretentious- one of my favourite parts referred to playing with your hair in public as “unsightly” and “an indication of inferior intelligence”.   Guilty! 

I know some people think of etiquette rules as uptight and constricting, but I’ve always felt the opposite:  In most social situations, particularly ones that make me nervous, there is a comfort and even a sense of power to be gained from knowing the absolute right way of doing something.  I’m fascinated with etiquette guides and read them with the aspiration of knowing the appropriate action for every situation that might present itself.

Needless to say, I was excited to come across this site: The Mistress of Manners: periodic tips for modern manners.  This is as close as I’ll get to life’s instruction manual!

Also, kudos to The Urban Etiquette Project, yet another initiative attempting to restore politeness in our modern world.

“Table Manners” illustration by Gemma Correll for Cup of Jo

8 comments:

Couture Carrie said...

I am fascinated with etiquette guides too!
Must check out that site!

xoxox,
CC

The Dainty Dolls House said...

Oh I love this stuff...etiquette! I think many people should be required to take it these days! I would love to take one myself even though I read the books, I find it interesting. Some can be a little funny and out dated, but manners can help you go a long way!! xx

k said...

i've never paid much attn to etiquette, (but don't worry i keep it classy ;)) but maybe i should be? will check out the links :)

Unknown said...

Oh excellent, thanks for sharing that site - etiquette fascinates me too! Also guilty of constant hair fiddling... xo

Ashley said...

I twirl my hair around my finger ALL THE TIME. ummm...

Erica said...

Ha ha! I could use a life instruction manual at times. Although, I'm scared to see how many rules I'm breaking.

When I was a kid I did attend an etiquette class once (and I actually enjoyed it!!)

MARTA said...

I definitely like manners, but i'm sure i'm breaking more norms than i'd like to know. The illustrations of this girl are hilarious... i know it's random but Gemma Correll is a very Catalan name, so funny!

Thelma Frayne said...

No way Erica- can't believe that!

You should check out Gemma Correll's other stuff Marta, if you haven't already. Her illustrations are brilliant and borderline genius at times!