Teen Etiquette Topics, 1956

Q. I have been going with a boy who calls me up every night. He tells me he likes me, but in school he ignores me and flirts with other girls. Should I tell him I'm jealous?

Since dating is so very important to teenagers, here are some questions on that subject.

Q. I am 18 years old. My friends say that I am very pretty but that I am too quiet and never say anything funnyCan you make any suggestions? — M.M., Radom, Ill.

A. Try to cultivate your sense of humor so that you will enjoy the amusing things other people say. Not everyone can create humor. But if you look alive and receptive, your friends will like you and find you good company.

Q. Is it proper for a girl of 13 to play different kinds of ball games with boys several years older? — B.S., Phenix City, Ala.

A. It seems all right if grownups are present.

Q. I have been going with a boy who calls me up every night. He tells me he likes me, but in school he ignores me and flirts with other girls. Should I tell him I'm jealous?— L.P., Chicago, III.

A. Don't tell him you're jealous. If he calls you every night, you probably have the inside track. You'll have to wait until he is ready to acknowledge you as his girl in school. In the meantime, why not see some of the other boys?

Q. I am 16. I compliment girls quite often in school. When I do, they say "Thank you." What should I say?— S.G., New Britain, Conn.

A. Nothing.

Q. I like my girlfriend's boyfriend and he likes me. I want to go out with the boy but I still want Joan as a friend. What should I do?-— B.T., Mineral Ridge, Ohio.

A. It is very important for a girl to be liked by other girls in her school. The kind of boy-snatching that you are contemplating would make girls dislike you. Keep the friendship of your own sex and you'll have a better chance at happiness with boys as well.

Q. I am 14 and go to quite a few parties, but never enjoy them. What do you think I can do to have a good time?— J.L., Stratford, Conn. 

A. Seem to have a good time. This is a great compliment to your hostess and the boy you are with. If you start out to a party feeling that you are going to have a dull time and that you are dull yourself, you usually bring both of these undesired things upon yourself.— By Amy Vanderbilt in Parade Magazine, 1956

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