You do not have to do everything disagreeable that you have a right to do. Judith Martin disagreeable Change image and share on social
We are born charming, fresh and spontaneous and must be civilized before we are fit to participate in society. Judith Martin bearcharmcivilize Change image and share on social
Being polite does not mean being mummified. Judith Martin mummifypolite Change image and share on social
We already know that anonymous letters are despicable. In etiquette, as well as in law, hiring a hit man to do the job does not relieve you of responsibility. Judith Martin anonymousdespicableetiquette Change image and share on social
For email, the old postcard rule applies. Nobody else is supposed to read your postcards, but you'd be a fool if you wrote anything private on one. Judith Martin applyemailfool Change image and share on social
It's far more impressive when others discover your good qualities without your help. Judith Martin discovergoodimpressive Change image and share on social
I make a distinction between manners and etiquette - manners as the principles, which are eternal and universal, etiquette as the particular rules which are arbitrary and different in different times, different situations, different cultures. Judith Martin arbitraryculturedistinction share on social
Obviously I'm going to be polite, so nobody has anything to fear from me. Judith Martin fearpolite Change image and share on social
Chaperons don't enforce morality; they force immorality to be discreet. Judith Martin chaperondiscreetenforce Change image and share on social
Presents are symbolic. When you give them in your personal life, they should show that you are paying attention to the person to whom you're giving them. Judith Martin attentiongivelife Change image and share on social
