New ‘Approved Etiquette’ of 1880

“I certainly would consider sharing this carriage ride with you if you weren’t wearing such an outlandish suit. That loud plaid won’t be fashionable for several years!” — The fashionable girl now lays her head on the shoulder of her male companion when traveling, according to a Cincinnati Enquirer writer...

Filed Under “Sensible Advice”

The fashionable girl now lays her head on the shoulder of her male companion when traveling, according to a Cincinnati Enquirer writer, who says: “The nicest girls do it, and they are so demure, so innocent, so unconscious in their manner that nobody could deem the practice harmful. They have the unconcerned air of using a pillow. This would have been reprehensible a year ago; now fashion and mothers permit it. But the man must not so far forget himself as to slyly hug the girl. If he does, she pops bolt upright, and will lean on him no more forever. That is new but approved etiquette.” — The Daily Herald, 1880

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