George Washington’s Rules of Civility Today - Part 2
A few months ago, I introduced this readership to “The Young George Washington’s Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation”.
As some parts of the world are opening up and more people will interact with those outside of their homes, I started to think of social rules we may all need to brush up on in preparation. These are a few tips that particularly stood out to me. As usual, I present them with a modern twist.
“87th: Let thy carriage be such as becomes a Man Grave Settled and attentive to that which is spoken. Contradict not at every turn what others Say.”
Modern: Don’t always be disagreeable. Be respectful of other’s opinions.
“89th: Speak not Evil of the absent for it is unjust.”
Modern: Be a delightful conversation partner who steers away from gossip.
“91st: Make no Show of taking great Delight in your Victuals, Feed not with Greediness; cut your Bread with a Knife, lean not on the Table neither find fault with what you Eat.”
Modern: Observe positive dining etiquette. Expressing our dislike of a meal set before us is disrespectful to the chef. Except for a case of allergies, it is polite to eat what you can in appreciation for their hard work.
“98th: Drink not nor talk with your mouth full; neither gaze about while you are drinking.”
Modern: It is never attractive to stuff our mouths with food. Take measured bites and savour your meal for an enjoyable experience for you and your company.
“104th: It belongs to the chiefest in company to unfold his napkin and fall to meat first, but he ought then to begin in time & to dispatch with dexterity that the slowest may have time allowed him.”
Modern: Take a cue from your host or hostess as to when to start eating. Try to match the pace of each guest to maintain an easy flow from entree to dessert.
“105th: Be not angry at the table whatever happens & if you have reason to be so, show it not; put on a cheerful countenance especially if there be strangers, for good humor makes one dish of meat a feast.
Modern: Treat the dinner table as you would a public space. Be discreet with any disagreements and address them privately after the meal. Your goal is to ensure that everyone present is comfortable.
“106th: Set not yourself at the upper of the table; but if it be your due or what the master of the house will have it so, content not, least you should trouble the company.”
Modern: The head of the table is usually reserved for the host or hostess unless otherwise instructed.
When it is time to get out and spend more face-to-face time with our loved ones, it would be wise to take note of the kind of company we are. Most of us prefer to be in the presence of those who are pleasant and lift the mood in a room rather than dampen it. Let us make sure we are always the ones to bring joy to a situation.
