Etiquette 1960s Style Trivia Quiz

Answer: consideration for others

Mrs. Post writes that the so-called rules of etiquette are nothing more than the results of "long experience handed down for reasons of practicality." In a lengthly introduction, she opines about the history and utility of etiquette as the oil that lubricates social interactions.

She says that etiquette incorporates principles of ethics, good taste, and consideration for others. It is reflected in speech and behavior that are appropriate for time, place and occasion. While it includes certain specific ceremonial procedures, the over-riding principle of etiquette is consideration for others.

Answer: Susan, I'd like you to meet Joe Smith.

According to Emily Post, a woman is never presented to a man, except to the President of the United States, royalty, or a church dignitary. You should never, under any circumstances, use "the wife". Although she doesn't mention them, I'm sure "the little woman" and "my ball and chain" would also be frowned upon.

Answer: the curb side of the sidewalk/pavement

Mrs. Post states that the man should put himself between the ladies and the curb, a remnant of the time when protection might be needed from runaway horses. The reason he should not walk between the two ladies is that he must then turn from one to the other in conversation. But if he is on one side, he can look at and address them both. Walking in front of or behind them is something Emily Post never contemplated!

Answer: invitations to balls include older people

Mrs. Post writes that dances are balls, only on a smaller scale. But the main difference, she says, is that dances are for people of approximately the same age, whereas ball invitations include all the personal friends of the hostess, regardless of age, and the older ones generally outnumber the younger ones. She also notes, in this 1960 edition of "Etiquette", that a ball in a private home always has an awning and a red carpet out the front entrance!

For either dances or balls, men who dance are always in demand, and it is permissible to ask the hostess if you may bring a dancing male. On the other hand, you should never ask the hostess if you may bring an otherwise un-invited young woman, old person, or someone the hostess knows (as she would have invited them herself if she so desired!).

Answer: his mother

In those bye-gone days of dances and balls, they were generally preceded by dinners or an evening at the opera or theatre. The dance or ball that followed was chockfull of rules for proper behavior, including everything from dance cards to the so-called "duty dances." In addition to dancing with the hostess, the female guest of honor and any young ladies that he sat next to during dinner, Emily Post writes that the young man attending a ball or dance must also dance the first dance with the girl he brought. Also, he must keep on the lookout that "she is not stuck too long with any one partner, and he must take her home after the dance."

Answer: Don't lope across a dance floor swinging your arms

Loping across the floor swinging your arms is right up there on the taboo list with whispering, nudging, petting, or allowing someone to paw you! However, most of the "Don'ts" for the debutante have to do with laughing. Don't giggle (rude), don't laugh so loudly you draw attention to yourself, and don't pretend to laugh or fake laughter (not at all "alluring"). Fortunately or unfortunately, the spectre of tattoos, too much make-up or open talk about sex were not on Emily Post's radar screen in 1960.

Answer: Leave on your hat and gloves

Times have changed, so you probably won't have to worry about leaving on your hat and gloves, since you won't be wearing any. But it is still not right to congratulate a bride; rather she should be wished every happiness. Also, on such an important day, it is not uncommon for people to forget the names of their best friends, so offer your name if there is any hestitation at all. Emily Post doesn't mention keeping your shoes on, but then, she was writing this book in 1960!

Answer: on the day the present arrives, if possible

Emily Post writes: "In return for the many presents showered upon a happy bride, there is a corresponding task which may not be evaded. On a sheet of note paper and in her own handwriting, she must send a separate letter for every present she receives - and, if humanly possible, she writes each letter of thanks on the day the present arrives."

I would like to think this is still the practice today, but the last wedding gift I gave was acknowledged 11 months later in a generic "thank you all for the wedding presents" sentence in a "Dear Family and Friends" Christmas letter!

Answer: never write a letter you would not want to see printed in the newspaper

Technology has radically altered how we correspond today. Emily Post could scarcely have imagined the use of e-mail, instant messaging, and texting as the preferred if not the only means of written communication used by some today.

But some of her advice still holds true, and that is to think before you write, and put it to the test of whether you would want what you wrote to be seen in a newspaper or read aloud in a courtroom.

In 1960, typing personal correspondence other than business and very long personal letters was considered to be in poor taste. And the use of foreign words could be considered pretentious (still true today). The heavy use of exclamation points, underscoring and innumerable postscripts was not good, and today, even FunTrivia discourages the practice!

Answer: May it please Your Majesty

Leave it to Emily Post to tell us how to address kings, queens, presidents and popes! Her chart on how to address Important Personages runs eight pages. You never know when you might need to know this!