Emily Post's Etiquette Quotes

“Etiquette requires the presumption of good until the contrary is proved.”
― Emily Post, Emily Post on Etiquette

“Persons under the shock of genuine affliction are not only upset mentally but are all unbalanced physically. No matter how calm and controlled they seemingly may be, no one can under such circumstances be normal. Their disturbed circulation makes them cold, their distress makes them unstrung, sleepless. Persons they normally like, they often turn from. No one should ever be forced upon those in grief, and all over-emotional people, no matter how near or dear, should be barred absolutely. Although the knowledge that their friends love them and sorrow for them is a great solace, the nearest afflicted must be protected from any one or anything which is likely to overstrain nerves already at the threatening point, and none have the right to feel hurt if they are told they can neither be of use or be received. At such a time, to some people companionship is a comfort, others shrink from their dearest friends.”
― Emily Post, Etiquette

“A self-confident person isn’t boastful or pushy but is secure with herself in a way that inspires confidence in others. She values herself regardless of her physical attributes or individual talents, understanding that honor and character are what really matter.”
― Peggy Post, Emily Post's Etiquette

“When you see a woman in silks and sables and diamonds speak to a little errand girl or a footman or a scullery maid as though they were the dirt under her feet, you may be sure of one thing; she hasn't come a very long way from the ground herself.”
― Emily Post, Etiquette

“Who does not dislike a "boneless" hand extended as though it were a spray of sea-weed, or a miniature boiled pudding?”
― Emily Post, Etiquette

“Whenever two people come together and their behavior affects one another, you have etiquette.”
― Emily Post, Emily Post's Etiquette

“Consideration for the rights and feelings of others is not merely a rule for behavior in public but the very foundation upon which social life is built.”
― Emily Post, Etiquette

“Keep your hands to yourself!” might almost be put at the head of the first chapter of every book on etiquette.”
― Emily Post, Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics and at Home

“The letter you write, whether you realize it or not, is always a mirror which reflects your appearance, taste and character.”
― Emily Post, Emily Post's Etiquette

“Would you know the secret of popularity? It is unconsciousness of self, altruistic interest, and inward kindliness, outwardly expressed in good manners.”
― Emily Post, Etiquette

“Thus Best Society is not a fellowship of the wealthy, nor does it seek to exclude those who are not of exalted birth; but it is an association of gentle-folk, of which good form in speech, charm of manner, knowledge of the social amenities, and instinctive consideration for the feelings of others, are the credentials by which society the world over recognizes its chosen members.”
― Emily Post, Etiquette

“The only extra plates ever permitted are the bread and butter plates which are put on at breakfast and lunch and supper above and to the left of the forks, but never at dinner.”
― Emily Post, Etiquette

“One thing is certain, no novice should ever begin her social career by attempting a formal dinner, any more than a pupil swimmer, upon being able to take three strokes alone, should attempt to swim three miles out to sea.”
― Emily Post, Etiquette

“The best ingredients for likeableness are a happy expression of countenance, an unaffected manner, and a sympathetic attitude.”
― Emily Post, Etiquette

“Well, we are making war for civilization, are we not? Very well, we are. Therefore, we eat in a civilized way.”
― Emily Post, Etiquette

“Probably”
― Emily Post, Etiquette

“It is of importance also that he refrain from burdening his wife with the cares and worries of his business day. Many writers insist that the wife should be ready to receive a complete consignment of all his troubles when the husband comes home at the end of the day. It is a sounder practise for him to save her as much as possible from the trials of his business hours; and, incidentally, it is the best kind of mental training for him to put all business cares behind him as he closes the door of his office and goes home.”
― Emily Post, Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics, and at Home + The Title Market

“How many times has one heard some one say: "I won't dress for dinner—no one is coming in." Or, "That old dress will do!" Old clothes! No manners! And what is the result? One wife more wonders why her husband neglects her! Curious how the habit of careless manners and the habit of old clothes go together. If you doubt it, put the question to yourself: "Who could possibly have the manners of a queen in a gray flannel wrapper?" And how many women really lovely and good—especially good—commit esthetic suicide by letting themselves slide down to where they "feel natural" in an old gray flannel wrapper, not only actually but mentally.”
― Emily Post, Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics, and at Home + The Title Market

“If children see temper uncontrolled, hear gossip, uncharitableness and suspicion of neighbors, witness arrogant sharp-dealing or lax honor, their own characters can scarcely escape perversion. In the same way others can not easily fail to be thoroughbred who have never seen or heard their parents do or say an ignoble thing.”
― Emily Post, Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics, and at Home + The Title Market

“No child will ever accept a maxim that is preached but not followed by the preacher. It is a waste of breath for the father to order his Sons to keep their temper, to behave like gentlemen, or to be good sportsmen, if he does or is himself none of these things.”
― Emily Post, Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics, and at Home + The Title Market

“A person who respects herself isn’t boastful or pushy but is secure in a way that inspires confidence.”
― Peggy Post, Emily Post's Etiquette: Manners for Today