Proposal Etiquette and the Sexes

The girl might want the man in the case to propose, according to the etiquette of the day she cannot suggest it without fearing to be called forward. In such an instance these two persons, through mutual timidity, fail to arrive at a successful marriage.

Why Shouldn't Women Propose?

 WHAT DO YOU SAY ABOUT IT?

Since the dim ages of antiquity women have had it bred into them that they must sit with folded hands until the “right man” comes along. For years it was considered a disgrace to be a spinster.. The woman who was fastidious enough to wait for the man she really could love and who never met that, man was popularly supposed to be a woman whom all men had refused. Consequently thousands upon thousands of women accepted the first man who. proposed, for fear of being called “old maids.” “Hobson's Choice,” the delightful character comedy which comes, to the Cort Theater next Monday evening, deals with the leap year idea of women proposing. The heroine “gets” the man of her choice, and the result is both happiness and prosperity for both of them.

The coming of “Hobson's Choice,” the discussions that it is sure to bring about, coupled with the fact that 1916 is Leap Year, have suggested to. The Call the idea of finding out just what its readers think about the propriety of “lassie asking lad.”Accordingly it solicits short essays on the subject, such articles not to be over 200 words in length. And it has purchased a box as first prize, a loge as second prize and, twenty pairs of choice orchestra seats to “Hobson's Choice” at the Cort Theater, which will be given to those who, in the judgment of The Call, have sent in the best and cleverest answers to the question, “Why shouldn't women propose?”

The answers should be sent immediately, for some of the best of them will be printed in The Call. The contest will close next Thursday at 12 o'clock noon, and articles received after that time cannot be entered in the contest. Viola Roach, the noted English actress, who is the leading woman of “Hobson's Choice,” and who does the proposing in the play, has some convictions of her own on the subject.

“There is no reason why men should have a monopoly on proposing,” says she. “Many men are as timid as women in, matters of the heart, especially in these days of the advanced woman. A man may meet an attractive girl, well poised, self-possessed, earning her own living, independent in every way, and while she may show a preference. for him he may fear to risk a valued friendship if he received a negative answer when he popped the question. And while the girl in the case might want the man in the case to propose, according to the etiquette of the day she cannot suggest it without fearing to be called forward. In such an instance these two persons, through mutual timidity, fail to arrive at a successful marriage.

“Women should feel thankful that tradition is being overthrown in the matter of proposals. A woman should be advanced enough in these days to propose, or rather suggest, a possible marriage to a man when she feels that in marriage lies the happiness of both of them. I think there would be fewer failures if the job of proposing were left in woman's hands. “Right now is the time to start, You won't have Leap Year for some time, so make hay while the sun shines, girls.”– San Francisco Call, 1916

 🍽️Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber of The RSVP Institute of Etiquette, is the Site Editor of the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia  

Leap Year Husband Hunting

The “Leap Year Etiquette” post card line was witty, humorous and popular with young men and women alike.. The early part of the 1900’s was a turning point for many young women, as they had fewer restrictions than in the late 1800’s. The growing use of the bicycle and automobile, better pay, better working conditions and less restrictive fashions for women, pushed them to want even more. Within just a dozen years, women got the vote and “the flapper” style was all the rage. Numerous original examples of this early 20th c. funny ephemera are available for sale online.

Flossy Mush Discusses Leap Year

Oh, girls! This year is Leap Year. Ladies' Choice-just think of it! If "he" has been too shy to propound the all-important interrogative, the time is near at hand when you can force him into corner and bring him out of his trance.

Flossie Mush, who holds the degree of Bachelor Maid of Spoon-osophy and who, maybe, is the head of the Department of Goo-ology at the George Washington University, in her new book, "The Big Trick, and How to Take It," which has just come hot from the griddle, sagely says: "Take it easy."

You shouldn't be in a rush, observes this wise student, "especially a college rush or a free lunch or bargain counter rush; for there's still plenty of poultry in cold storage, despite the holiday trading, and you shouldn't make hasty selections. You might get a tainted bird.

"I believe in drawing the matrimonial fowl," Miss Mush goes on, "because a man in the hand is worth two in the Maybe-So, and it is well to hold a hand you can draw to." The erudite philosopher, as the result of her investigations as to 1908 affairs, bluntly gives some sharp points concerning ‘what to expect.’

"We shall find professional women forsaking the professions for the science of husbandry," she says, "thereby providing many ‘crying necessities.’

"Many of the more hardened bachelor maids, craving excitement, intend to revive the gentle craft of highwaymanry. By cutting across lots they will take their unsuspecting victims on the bias, but it is presumed that they will treat them on the square. They propose a campaign of hands up and show down. In other words, they will Robin Hood-wink the men. 

"As it has been eight long years since the maidens have had an in- ning of their own at Cupid's shop, it is presumed that they will find the remnant counters piled high. Remnant offerings are never to be taken save after careful inspection for soils and flaws. Nevertheless, one often finds a very satisfactory bargain here, if one does not object to a little shop-and-shelf-wear.

"Goods taken from original pieces should be watched carefully, in order to prevent them from bolting. "It is to be expected, as usual, that we will find some of the older maids cottoning to calico kids. "As for spring styles in marriageable men, they will be cut high on speed and low on finances. "The 'blues' are predominating in colors just as present; but gayer colors doubtless will be seen as the season wears on.

"All matrimonial goods faced with the Cuddlin’ ‘fringes’ should be eschewed, as they are apt to be the hiding place of the kissing bug or moth.” ‘fringes’should be eschewed, as they are apt to be the hiding place of the kissing bug or moth."

We have no doubt that Flossie Mush's suggestions will prove valuable to many maidens in Oskaloosa, Oklahoma and Colorado Springs; but it is our impression that Humboldt maids, characteristically original and independent, will make their selections in such charming, naive and unconventional manners as may appeal to them.

However, should any further information be desired under this head, we would refer the inquisitively inclined directly to Miss Mush, care of Ella Wheeler Wilcox, Hoboken. – February 1908

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