Professional Titles in Social Situations

Socially a married woman doctor is called “Mrs.” especially if she is married to a man without a title. It just isn't possible to address a couple as “Mr, and Dr. James Smith.” Many people will call your wife “Doctor” in direct address. – The late Amy Vanderbilt’s books are favorites of Etiquipedia. She preached common sense etiquette and manners in a relatable way.    

Dear Miss Vanderbilt: I am married to a woman medical student. In three years she will become an M.D. I have heard that the etiquette rule is that a woman doctor who is married is introduced as "Mrs." I would be proud to introduce my wife as "Doctor" even though I have no title myself. I wish you would set me right on this.— G.V., Baltimore

SOCIALLY a married woman doctor is called "Mrs." especially if she is married to a man without a title. It just isn't possible to address a couple as "Mr, and Dr. James Smith." Many people will call your wife "Doctor" in direct address.

Only when both spouses are doctors is it usual for a married woman doctor to use her title socially and she doesn't necessarily do so then. Such a couple may be addressed either as "The Doctors Jones" or as "Dr. and Mrs. William J. Jones."

In introductions, depending on their preference, they are "The Doctors Jones" or "Dr. and Mrs. Jones."

If you phone them, of course, it is necessary to specify which Dr. Jones you are calling if the wife uses her title socially.– By Amy Vanderbilt, United Feature Syndicate, 1967

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

Etiquette of Washington DC Hostesses

“The job of hostess to the Vice President-elect was filled. Possibly spurred on by applications from eager ladies (‘I didn't know whether they wanted to marry me or hire out to me’), Alben Berkley named his daughter, Mrs. Max Truitt.” ~ TIME Magazine, November 29, 1948 – Image of “Mrs. Max Truitt” from Truman Library. gov

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The Vice President’s daughter was always referred to as “Mrs. Max Truitt” in the press, as at that time, married women were always referred to as “Mrs.” Followed by the names of their husbands. That rule was not relaxed until 30 years later when the “Guidelines for News-writing about Women,” was compiled by Stanford University Women’s News Service and released and circulated to media outlets and to women’s groups in 1978. It took another 30 years or more for it to become commonplace in many parts of the United States. ‘“Prefixes indicating marital status should be avoided.” Why? What about the woman who is proud to be Mrs. John Doe, along with any other accomplishments?’ lamented one Southern California, female journalist at the time.

‘Dolly-Alice’ Social Row May Disappoint Ladies of Washington D.C.

CAPITAL HOSTESSES, who haven't enjoyed a good social row since the days of Dolly Gann and Alice Longworth's spat over who should sit where at dinner, have been glowing with anticipation over the problem of who will be Vice President Barkley's official hostess, and where she will rank at official dinners. Vice President Barkley, like Vice President Charlie Curtis, is a widower. That was why Curtis' half-sister, Mrs. Edward Everett Gann, was made his official hostess.

And it was the question of whether the vice president's sister or the wife of Speaker Longworth preceded the other at dinner which threw social Washington into such a hubbub during the Hoover administration. However, Alben Barkley may disappoint the ladies. Alben is not averse to going out to dinner. In fact, he is in great demand. But he doesn't relish social rows.

Furthermore, his counterpart is also single Speaker-to-be Sam Rayburn. Close friends, Sam and Alben have been going out together as widowers for so long that the idea of their rowing over protocol brings smiles to those who know them.

Barkley Sam was married once, so Rayburn long ago that most people think he was always a bachelor. He has no official hostess and doesn't intend to have one. Barkley says he’s had a “number of applicants” for the Job, but if he needs an official hostess, he will draft his daughter, gracious Mrs. Max Truitt. — By Drew Pearson for The Minneapolis Star, Nov 18, 1948

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