Etiquette and Appropriate Conversation

If you’re going to discuss the misfortunes of others, make sure it’s actually your business. “Do not take meal time for retailing … your own or other people’s illnesses, accidents or misfortunes. To do so is always unwise, and, if guests are present, it is decidedly ill bred.” – Actress Linda Emond portraying Clara Barton, the real-life founder of the Red Cross on 'The Gilded Age'

Inappropriate vs Appropriate  Conversation

Do not take meal time for retailing the faults of servants, the misdeeds of children or your own or other people’s illnesses, accidents or misfortunes. To do so is always unwise, and, if guests are present, it is decidedly ill bred. 

A perfect entertainer never confides her worries or her sorrows to an abiding guest, much less will she mention them to one whose visit is to be brief or is only casual. It would be laying a burden upon another at a season when the sacredness of hospitality should protect him from every unpleasant thought.– San Diego Daily Bee, October 1887

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