Office Apology Etiquette, 1924

The imperative "pardon me" is not courteous unless prefixed by “please” and even then is not quite so good in form as the first phrase. This is equally true at all times when a simple apology is made.

Apologies, How to Make and How to Receive Them:

Office etiquette for business women

In the carrying out of the various office duties during the day there are many times when one has to do little things that call for apology. In such matters as reaching across the desk or table of a nearby worker to get some necessary papers or other materials one should never neglect to apologize. "I beg your pardon" is all that need be said and it calls for no answer, a smile will show sufficiently that the apology is accepted. The imperative "pardon me" is not courteous unless prefixed by "please" and even then is not quite so good in form as the first phrase. This is equally true at all times when a simple apology is made.

If a more explicit apology is necessary because of something for which one is really sorry, such as the careless disturbance of another's work, the upsetting of an inkwell or any similar accident, it is not polite, nor is it kind to dismiss the act with a curt "pardon me." "I'm sorry, I did not mean to do it," and an offer to help repair any damage will express courteously and adequately one's sense of responsibility for the trouble and will be a sufficient apology. 

To receive an apology of this kind with a cross or surly reply is highly discourteous, regardless of one's feelings at the moment. An apology should always be graciously received, no matter what the occasion, for it presupposes some humiliation on the part of the person offering it and to relieve this feeling in another is only the kind and right thing to do. After this little exchange of courtesies the decent thing is to forget that the accident occurred and to refrain from comment about it later with one's officemates.– From “Office Etiquette for Business Women,” by Ida White Parker, 1924

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

Poise and Avoiding Slips in Etiquette

Giggling at compliments? So embarrassing! Be clever and exhibit poise.

Be Clever and Avoid Such Etiquette Slips

So embarrassing! You looked so sophisticated and charming to the vacation crowd. Then you got a compliment and fell all over yourself.

But compliments, like everything else in social life, are just a matter of etiquette.

If you receive them with a titter and an, “Aw, you don't mean that.” you betray a sad lack of manners.

But if you smile graciously, say, “You’re nice to say so.” you show poise and breeding. And how it helps to have a reputation for perfect manners! 

Invitations a-plenty for the girl who knows enough not to rise when she’s introduced to men: who says good-bye to the sponsors at a dance; who to an apology, says a quiet, “It doesn’t matter.” And so few invitations come to girls who don’t.

Know what's expected of you- at dances, dinners, motoring – all occasions. – The Santa Ana Journal, Home Service, 1937

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

Expected Edwardian Etiquette

You didn’t know? To make yourself the hero of your own story, or to speak much of your own performances, denotes deep-seated self-conceit, and may be very distasteful to others, who also have achieved!

1. In a company of people, it is the height of rudeness to call attention to the form or features or dress of any one present.
2. In using a handkerchief, always do so unobtrusively. At the dining table it should be used very sparingly.
3. Better retire than be obnoxious to even the most fastidious.
4. Never look over the shoulder of any one who is reading or writing, whether in the home, or in a car, or at a concert, or anywhere else.
5. Do not touch anyone in order to arrest his attention, but address him.
6. To lend a borrowed article is an appropriation of it which is next to stealing, unless one has permission of the owner to do so.
7. Self-control in excitement of any sort is a most valuable trait. It always makes for comfort of one's self and of others, and often for safety.
8. Do not pass between two persons who are talking together, if avoidable. If it is not, then apologize.
9. Never refuse to receive an apology. Courtesy requires, no matter how unforgivable the offense, that an apology should be accepted. Friendship may not be restored, but friendly courtesy should always thereafter be maintained.
10. Never neglect to perform a commission which a friend intrusted to you. Forgetfulness denotes lack of regard for the friend.
11. Never fail to be punctual at the time appointed, in keeping every engagement.
12. To make yourself the hero of your own story, or to speak much of your own performances, denotes deep-seated self-conceit, and may be very distasteful to others, who also have achieved. – Edith Ordway 

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