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

Vacation Etiquette of 1937

Should you or shouldn't you smile on the stranger who wants to talk to you?

New Questions Rise in Vacation Etiquette: Can You Answer Them?

How you'd hate to give the wrong impression to the hotel guests! Should you or shouldn't you smile on the stranger who wants to talk to you?

Yes, if he's a fellow-guest. Be your most charming, but impersonal, self. Then, if he's not to your liking, it’s easy to remember you ‘have a date elsewhere.’

On trains, too, you can talk to strangers if you wish. But you don't rush to give your name. Or get confidential about your latest beau. Or, leap to accept any dining-car bids.

Nor do you ever get so informal in the midst of vacation fun that you hop out of cars before your escort— or cling to his arm at movies or on the boardwalk— anymore than you would in town.

It’s such a help to your good times if you know these simple rules on every-day etiquette. — The Santa Ana Journal, Home Service, 1937

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

Petiquette in the 1930’s Etiquette Era

 

“Diet, Mrs. Jones looks after. During this mild weather she gives the dog one meal a day. Meat and milk are the main courses. Vegetables, starchy foods she gives in small doses.”
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 Mrs. Jones was maybe behind the times a bit… According to one source, “The 1930’s seemed to be the golden age of processed dog food. Ken-L-Ration brought the first canned horse meat option. They sponsored a popular radio show, The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin. 50,000 horses a year were slaughtered for the production of dog food. By 1941, 90% of dog food was canned.” – LuckyDogCuisine

This pup will never be Public Enemy No. 1. Each member of the Jones family shares in his care and training.

Junior takes pride in teaching him manners. To train him to lie down, Junior says "down," pulls out his pet's forepaws. As soon as Mr. Dog learns this trick, Junior teaches others: "Speak" retrieve and carry, shake hands.

Another chore for Junior is the daily combing of the dog's coat. Baths should be given seldom; twice a year is enough.

Diet, Mrs. Jones looks after. During this mild weather she gives the dog one meal a day. Meat and milk are the main courses. Vegetables, starchy foods she gives in small doses.

Mr. Jones? He's the trouble shooter. If distemper, eczema symptoms appear, he knows just what to do for a sick dog.

Many more points on dog care are given in our 32-page booklet. Practical information every dog owner needs diet, grooming, training, ailments.

***Send 10c for your copy of How to Choose and Care for Your Dog to The Journal, Home Service, 117 East Fifth street, Santa AnaBe sure to write plainly your name, address and the name of booklet. – Santa Ana Journal, 1937

***Etiquipedia has included the initial added blurb from 1937, offering a booklet for 10 cents, simply for historical accuracy. This offer (and newspaper) is no longer available.

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

Meet Emergencies with Poise

Your glove drops on the car floor. Bill can't drive with one hand while he stands on his head looking for it.
Maybe you can retrieve it gracefully yourself. Otherwise, wait until you get to your destination before you suggest a search.

Tips on Manners:

Recipe for popularity is to meet every little emergency with poise

You’re off to a dance and the wind stands your best hair-do on end. Must you wait for your escort to come to your rescue? 

Not at all. Say, “Do you mind if I roll up this window?” Or be nonchalant and tie a scarf or handkerchief over your curls.

Your glove drops on the car floor. Bill can’t drive with one hand while he stands on his head looking for it.

Maybe you can retrieve it gracefully yourself. Otherwise, wait until you get to your destination before you suggest a search.

At the dance, your old friend Don appears, tries to take you in tow. Bill swings into a brand new step you just can’t follow. 

It's no trick at all to handle situations like these– if you remain poised. – Santa Ana Journal, 1937

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

Bad Table Manners Hold You Back

Don’t, Dora, unless you want always to be known as a “One-Date Girl” - pile food on your fork, pat it down with your knife. Use a knife for cutting only; take food with your fork, a little at a time. 

Found Under “Home Service”

 

"Why am I always stuck with such ill-bred people?" wonder Prue, Dora and Jack. Better think less about others’ errors, you three; find out your own! Don't plunge after your falling spoon retriever-fashion, Jack, unless it's in some one's way. Wait for a fresh one. 

Don’t, Dora, unless you want always to be known as a “One-Date Girl” - pile food on your fork, pat it down with your knife. Use a knife for cutting only; take food with your fork, a little at a time. 

If you want to belong, Prue, don’t smack your salt cellar over your hostess’ well-seasoned food. Season so inconspicuously that no one thinks you’re criticizing your fare.

***Avoid telltale blunders, learn the fine points of table manners from our 32-page booklet. Etiquette of informal and formal dinners, restaurants, clubs, dining-cars. Be at ease in any circle. Send 10c for your copy of Good Table Manners to Santa Ana Journal, Home Service. Be sure to write plainly your name, address, and the name of booklet. – Santa Ana Journal, 1937

***Etiquipedia has included the initial added blurb from 1937, offering a booklet for 10 cents, simply for historical accuracy. This offer (and newspaper) is no longer available.

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