Retro 1950’s Etiquette for Teens

As soon as you come to the car, become delicate. If that is difficult, then pretend you don't know how to turn the handle. A boy would feel insulted if you open the door for him. 

In the automobile, don't touch that car door handle, girls! As soon as you come to the car, become delicate. If that is difficult, then pretend you don't know how to turn the handle. A boy would feel insulted if you open the door for him.


It would be embarrassing to have a young man say “Thanks for opening the door for me. I'm too weak.” There is no doubt if he ever said such a thing, he would say it with all the sarcasm he could muster.


Most young men take great pleasure and pride in getting out of their cars, going around the back of them, and then coming around to the side to open the door for their girl friends. Most of the time, it is the fault of the girl if she does not get the proper treatment from the boys. She rushes in when she should have waited.


Girls must remember that it takes time to get around the opposite side of the car, they must be patient! — By Grace Ramquist, 1953

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