Brian's Etiquette Guide
Aug. 28th, 2003 12:05 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
jayOr, where worlds collide...
For the edification of readers, friends and passers-by:
I say "sir" and "ma'am" quite often in public conversation. Often to folks socially distant, like supermarket cashiers, ticket agents, or people I've just met.
I may avert my glance downward to avoid staring at something, like a revealing outfit or a strategic ketchup stain.
I often hold doors for people, especially those carrying things, and women in general.
Likewise with giving up subway seats.
I'm happy to be hospitable, because it's an icebreaker. I like to do nice things for my friends.
I bring friends drinks at parties, if I'm going by the drink table.
I don't generally make the first move toward people whom I find attractive, even crush-objects.
*None* of these behaviors means that I'm trying to sub to the recipient. For example, if I'm at a party, and I avert my glance, answer "sure, ma'am!" and I later bring you a drink, all it means is that I've just met you and your bra strap is showing... those people that pay attention to such things, be forewarned. Low-key and polite doesn't mean I don't prefer to be in charge of other things, in other contexts... and scarcely anyone will see that other side of me.
For the edification of readers, friends and passers-by:
I say "sir" and "ma'am" quite often in public conversation. Often to folks socially distant, like supermarket cashiers, ticket agents, or people I've just met.
I may avert my glance downward to avoid staring at something, like a revealing outfit or a strategic ketchup stain.
I often hold doors for people, especially those carrying things, and women in general.
Likewise with giving up subway seats.
I'm happy to be hospitable, because it's an icebreaker. I like to do nice things for my friends.
I bring friends drinks at parties, if I'm going by the drink table.
I don't generally make the first move toward people whom I find attractive, even crush-objects.
*None* of these behaviors means that I'm trying to sub to the recipient. For example, if I'm at a party, and I avert my glance, answer "sure, ma'am!" and I later bring you a drink, all it means is that I've just met you and your bra strap is showing... those people that pay attention to such things, be forewarned. Low-key and polite doesn't mean I don't prefer to be in charge of other things, in other contexts... and scarcely anyone will see that other side of me.
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no subject
Date: 2003-08-28 12:33 am (UTC)If you go and read most manner books everything you listed use to be taught to young men, and not to long ago. Also Opening and closing car doors, offering your hand to help a lady!
I actually expect my daughters to learn some of the above also.
It always amazes me when my son gets growled at for being polite, or when an older person comments that it is nice to see a boy learning the lost arts! Manners shouldn't be lost!
It also surprizes me how many people will walk through a door being held open, and never say thank you, or take it so the person holding it can rejoin there party.
no subject
Date: 2003-08-28 08:48 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-08-28 12:24 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-08-28 03:13 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-08-28 05:11 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-08-28 06:13 pm (UTC)