Wednesday, August 22, 2012

110 Rules of Civility

By George Washington.
1)      Every action done when in company ought to be done with some sign of respect for those present.
2)      When in company, do not put your hands on any part of the body that is usually clothed.
3)      Show nothing to a friend that may frighten him.
4)      When in the presence of others do not hum or sing to yourself or drum with your fingers or feet.
5)      Be as quiet as possible when you cough, sneeze, sigh, or yawn. Refrain from speaking when yawning; cover your face with your handkerchief and turn aside.
6)      When others talk, do not doze off. Do not sit down while others are standing. Do not speak when you should hold your peace. Do not continue walking when others stop.
7)      Do not undress in front of others, nor leave your bedroom half dressed.
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4 comments:

Mercury said...

Soooo ... when George and Martha went swimming, did they wear their swimsuits out of the bedroom and to the swimming pool / beach, or did they wear robes and take them off at the pool? 'Cause that breaks rule #7

:)

elena maria vidal said...

Darling, I can say with all surety that Rule #7 does not apply to married couples.

Mercury said...

Haha, I was trying to be anachronistic and silly, thinking of my own experiences at the beach and pool - no one walks out there in only their bathing suit, but of course the very idea of a family vacation to go swimming to the beach would be foreign to the 18th century gentleman.

But yes, you are right on that count as well. I also find rule #2 amusing, especially considering late 18th century dress - I guess that means no folded arms, no hands on the hips, etc.

I've only seen these 7 but I'd fail a few of them!

julygirl said...

He was the very model of a gentleman for all ages.