Etiquette and “Polite Notes”

Letters of congratulation are always acceptable, enhancing whatever the good fortune may be by sharing with one’s friends.

Will you kindly advise the custom concerning letters of condolence and congratulation? Should letters be sent only to friends out of town, or may they be used between friends in the same city? Are letters of condolence better than a call? – ANXIOUS

Letters of condolence are always proper, no matter whether to a person living out of town or in one’s home city. A card with the word “sympathy” or “to inquire” left at the house of mourning is always good form, for, of course, only the nearest and dearest friends see a bereaved family; but afterward they look at the cards and letters and deeply appreciate all who have thought of them in their sorrow. 

Letters of congratulation are always acceptable, enhancing whatever the good fortune may be by sharing with one’s friends. The good book says “rejoice with those who do rejoice and weep with those who mourn,” or words to that effect, and it is a pretty good maxim to follow.– From Madame Merri, 1912 

 

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