'Honesty' in social life is often used as a cover for rudeness. But there is quite a difference between being candid in what you're talking about, and people voicing their insulting opinions under the name of honesty. Judith Martin candidcoverdifference share on social
Chaperons don't enforce morality; they force immorality to be discreet. Judith Martin chaperondiscreetenforce 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
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
Most people who work at home find they do not have the benefit of receptionists who serve as personal guards. Judith Martin benefitfindguard Change image and share on social
Etiquette is all human social behavior. If you're a hermit on a mountain, you don't have to worry about etiquette; if somebody comes up the mountain, then you've got a problem. It matters because we want to live in reasonably harmonious communities. Judith Martin behaviorcommunityetiquette share on social
Chaperons, even in their days of glory, were almost never able to enforce morality; what they did was to force immorality to be discreet. This is no small contribution. Judith Martin chaperoncontributionday 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
Learn graceful ways of saying no and of pointing out that this pressure to do something is not in line with most people's wishes. Judith Martin gracefullearnline Change image and share on social
