Etiquette's Benefits for Men

We are all supposed to know that the gentleman is introduced to the lady, no matter what his rank may be, never the lady to the gentleman. 

Manners and the Man

HOW many of us think about our manners? And yet isn’t it a true saying that manners make the man and lack of them the fellow? Think if you will how often you introduce gracefully one friend to another. We are all supposed to know that the gentleman is introduced to the lady, no matter what his rank may be, never the lady to the gentleman. 

For instance, you would say, "Miss James, this is my friend Mr. Swift,” but not “Mr. Swift, this is my friend Miss James.” Remember to present young people to their elders and single persons to married. Many persons wonder whether to shake hands on being introduced or simply to bow. If the introduction is formal, a bow is sufficient. But if the stranger is to become a friend, give a hearty grip. 

Ladies have the handshaking privilege. A gentleman doesn't offer his hand first. It is assumed always that a man is honored by an introduction to a woman. This is why the latter need never rise if she happens to be sitting when the introduction is performed. But she always rises to meet one of her own sex, and a man is bound to get up for any sort of introduction.It is easy to cultivate good manners—and it is profitable. As the world often judges us by the cut of our clothes, so it judges us by our manners. Then why not play the game by knowing the rules? Good manners cost nothing, and etiquette is easy to learn. The learning is a wonderful investment. —Beatrice Fairfax, 1916

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia