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Nancy Mitford and U vs Non-U Speech
Obviously, I think that etiquette and manners today has nothing to do with wealth or social class- manners are for everyone! Historically, however, the rise of etiquette books in the Victorian period...
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Spoiler Alert! Are Spoilers Rude?
Dear Uncommon Courtesy, What is the etiquette on posting TV spoilers on social media? I thought you had to wait until at least the following day? A guy in my feed posted something about Game of Thrones...
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Elevator Etiquette
Like door etiquette, elevator etiquette seems like it should be self-explanatory. But that appears not to be the case, so here are some tips: Try to avoid taking the elevator to the 2nd or 3rd floor if...
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Thank Goodness We Don’t Have To Do That Anymore: Tiara Etiquette
The good news is that none of this tiara etiquette really exists anymore (except for people who go to state banquets and the like), so feel free to wear tiaras whenever you want. Unmarried women...
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How To Borrow From A Friend
The important thing to remember about borrowing things from friends is that you have to give whatever you took back. Do whatever it takes to remember this. Don’t put, say a book, with your own books....
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Napkin Etiquette
Yeah, I know you think you know how to use a napkin, but from my observations, there are some finer points to napkin etiquette that not everyone is aware of. Different kinds of … Continue...
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Trying To Separate Etiquette and Respectability Politics
In my time writing here, I’ve conducted a lot of fun research, from learning how to walk properly to how to take snuff. But it’s pretty obvious that the Western rules, no matter how arcane or relevant,...
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Etiquette at Museums
I have a master’s degree in Museum Studies (which is obviously a super useful thing to have a master’s degree in!) so this subject is near and dear to my heart. One of the things we talked a lot about...
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Etiquette And Equality Don’t Always Benefit You, And That’s Okay
I’ll start out by saying that feminism and equal rights are not the realm of “etiquette.” It is “good manners” to treat people with respect on a one-on-one basis, but systemic disenfranchisement is...
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How To Politely Ask Someone About Their Ethnicity
Last week I conducted a phone interview that left me feeling extremely uncomfortable. I was calling this man for research help for a book I’m working on, and within the first ten seconds of the call,...
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