There’s No Excuse for Rudeness

The 1950’s and early 1960’s offered numerous new books of etiquette in the U.S. for the booming post-WWII years. A vintage advertisement for Amy Vanderbilt’s 1967 book of etiquette, with a tagline explaining that sooner or later, everyone needed the book of etiquette.

Hurt Feelings Not an Excuse!

DEAR DOROTHY DIX: My sister received a book on etiquette as a gift from her sister-in-law. My sister never expressed a desire for such a book and was highly insulted on receiving it. She returned the book. Was she right, or should she have kept the book?— P.P

DEAR P.P: Before returning the book your sister should have read it. There would be a raft of hurt feelings in this world if everyone who received a gift questioned the motive of the giver. A book of etiquette should be standard equipment in any household. 

At some time or other practically everyone comes across a situation that involves a small, but important, rule of manners, procedure or precedent. An authoritative source is indispensable at such a time. The book takes its place next to the almanac, dictionary and encyclopedia. Your sister's conduct was indefensible, and I certainly feel she owes her sister-in-law an apology. — By Dorothy Dix in “Shin Nichibei News,” 17 August 1957

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