There is no place for practicing manners like the home circle, no place, permit one to say, where it will be so appreciated, it will be a cultivation of heart, mind and body, this endeavor to feel nothing out affection for the people at home and treat them as though they were worthy of as much consideration at your hands as if they were the President and his family.
The Secret of Fascinating
Doubtless thousands of young people, and not a small number of old ones, wish every day of their lives that they could learn the secret of fascinating others by means of their graceful, exquisite manners. The secret is an open one. It is so easy to learn that it lies all neglected by the wayside, while those who would give their dearest treasure to find it, pass unknowing.
It is only this: Fill your heart with goodwill to everybody, and then practice at all times the best manners you know, particularly at home. If you begin at home, this charming manner will, so to speak, get settled on you and never leave you. Be just as polite to your sister as you would to your best girl. Strive to gain the good will of mother, father and brothers and sisters and children, exactly as you would strive to gain good will abroad.
There is no place for practicing manners like the home circle, no place, permit one to say, where it will be so appreciated, it will be a cultivation of heart, mind and body, this endeavor to feel nothing out affection for the people at home and treat them as though they were worthy of as much consideration at your hands as if they were the President and his family. So they are worthy. Then from the home will float around you, those sweet, magnetic influences which will draw the hearts of mankind toward you. - Sacramento Daily Union, 1892
Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia
