Modern Manners Quotes

“It took longer for the fork to gain acceptance in England because it was thought to be a feminine utensil. Thomas Coryate, an English traveler and philosopher who had been to Italy and France, published a book in 1611 that included the Italian custom of eating with a fork. He declared himself the first man in London to eat with a fork.”
― Dorothea Johnson, Modern Manners: Tools to Take You to the Top

“The word 'tip' comes from the mid-eighteenth-century innkeepers' sign 'to insure promptness.' Patrons deposited a few coins on the table before ordering a meal or drinks and were served faster.”
― Dorothea Johnson, Modern Manners: Tools to Take You to the Top

“It's best to take a potted plant or flowers already arranged in a vase. Avoid arriving with an unarranged bouquet of flowers, as the host will have to find a vase, trim the stems, and arrange the flowers. This unexpected chore, coupled with answering the door and checking on dinner, can be stressful for even the most seasoned host.”
― Dorothea Johnson, Modern Manners: Tools to Take You to the Top

“Adding 'to you' after the word 'introduce' will help you maintain the order of an introduction. Never say 'I'd like you to meet...' when introducing someone, as it reverses the correct order of an introduction. 'You to' is nonstandard grammar, and the only time to say 'you to' is when referring to a certain Irish rock band.”
― Dorothea Johnson, Modern Manners: Tools to Take You to the Top

“DON’T gang up on the other person and enlist others to your side just to prove that you’re right. DON’T raise your voice. DON’T respond sarcastically. DON’T take a difference of opinion personally.”
― Dorothea Johnson, Modern Manners: Tools to Take You to the Top

“DO take the initiative and introduce yourself to the people you don’t know. DO say your first and last names: “Hello, I’m Heather Wells.” This saves the other person from asking, “What’s your last name?” DO be inclusive and greet the people you know, even if you saw them just hours earlier.”
― Dorothea Johnson, Modern Manners: Tools to Take You to the Top

“In some cultures, “How do you do?” and “How are you?” are considered impolite and too personal.”
― Dorothea Johnson, Modern Manners: Tools to Take You to the Top

“Greek men developed a rather curious custom. Upon meeting another man, they clasped each other’s right lower arms and touched their own testicles with their left hands. This was probably a symbol of honesty.”
― Dorothea Johnson, Modern Manners: Tools to Take You to the Top

“In nothing do we lay ourselves so open as in our manner of meeting and salutation. —JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER”
― Dorothea Johnson, Modern Manners: Tools to Take You to the Top