The Book of Good Manners; a Guide to Polite Usage for All Social Functions eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 295 pages of information about The Book of Good Manners; a Guide to Polite Usage for All Social Functions.

The Book of Good Manners; a Guide to Polite Usage for All Social Functions eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 295 pages of information about The Book of Good Manners; a Guide to Polite Usage for All Social Functions.

  Entertainments.  Introductions are not absolutely
       required at musicales, teas, “At
       Homes,” etc.  One may converse with those
       nearest, but this does not warrant future
       recognition.

  Men.  Men are introduced to women and single
       men to married men.

When introduced to a woman, a man should bow but not shake hands, and make some pleasant observations, and express pleasure at the introduction.

       When introduced to another man, the
       man should shake hands.

Business introductions are immediate and personal, and are intended to bring men together without much formality.  No formality is required in introducing one man to another on casual meeting.
It is well to avoid exaggerated expressions, as:  “Delighted to meet you,” or “Glad to know you.”  A simple “How do you do” is better.
A man introducing another to a woman should first ask her permission to do so.  This gained, he introduces him with the remark:  “Mr. Smith desires to be introduced to Miss Wilson.”
A woman’s permission should first be obtained by the party introducing.  Very often off-hand introductions take place; but it is better to be more formal and careful, as indicated.  If she evades or declines, a man should accept it without any show of feeling, and make it as easy for her as possible.
After an introduction at an entertainment, when a man meets the woman on the street, she should bow first if she desires to continue the acquaintance.

  Chaperone.  A man should never be introduced
       direct by card or letter to a young unmarried
       woman.  If he desires to be introduced, the
       letter or card of introduction should be addressed
       to her chaperone or mother, who may
       then introduce him to the young woman if
       she deems it advisable.

       At an entertainment a chaperone may ask
       a young man if he wishes to be introduced
       to the one under her care.

  Formula.  A good formula for men is:  “Mr.
       Brown, may I present Mr. Clark?”

A man presenting a man friend to a woman should say:  “Mr. Williams desires to be presented to Miss Wilson.  Miss Wilson, allow me to introduce Mr. Williams.  This is Mr. Williams, Miss Wilson.”
The formality is sometimes waved, and the forms, “This is Mr. So and So, Miss Jones,” “Mrs. Smith, Miss Jones,” or “Allow me to present ——­,” are used when casual meetings occur.

  Party introduced. After receiving call of
       party to whom you have been introduced,
       the visit should be returned.  If at home
       card was left, the call should be made only
       on the days specified; if an ordinary card,
       call at any time within three to ten days.

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The Book of Good Manners; a Guide to Polite Usage for All Social Functions from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.