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Etiquette Quotes
"Etiquette means behaving yourself a little better than is absolutely essential."
35
"Conventional manners are a kind of literacy test for the alien who comes among us."
19
"The Australian Book of Etiquette is a very slim volume."
18
"It is your turn to say something now, Mr. Darcy. I talked about the dance, and you ought to make some kind of remark on the size of the room, or the number of couples."
17
"Stillness of person and steadiness of features are signal marks of good breeding."
17
"It's not bad to cough. But cover your mouth when coughing. It's not bad to complain. But cover your mouth when complaining, else you'll spread infections of complains on us!"
16
"To touch or not to touch . . . that is the question. Handshakes, hugs, and other touching all have their appropriate space and place. The key to success in this area is to know when, where, and how to best put these into action."
15
"Impeccable manners and courteous behavior are the hallmarks for healthy relations and human interaction."
15
"We must remember that some hand gestures which are commonly used and widely accepted in the U.S. might be considered rude or offensive in other countries. As always, I encourage you to be mindful of how and where you use certain gestures to assure you maintain your professionalism and positive impressions."
15
"Be punctual, it shows your respect for other people."
14
"Take the initiative with deliberate steps to be a polite person:1. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.2. Reciprocate a thoughtful word or a good deed in kind.3. Say "excuse me" when you bump into someone, unintentionally violate someone's space, or need to get someone's attention.4. Apologize when you've made a mistake or are in the wrong.5. Live by the "Golden Rule" and treat others the way you would like to be treated.6. When dining at home or in a restaurant, wait until everyone is served before eating your meal.7. Acknowledge notable events like birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries."
14
"Keep your opinion to yourself unless it's asked for."
14
"Sometimes it is better to refrain from engaging in conversation because making no impression is better than making a bad impression."
14
"Don't talk while having food was only meant to be in integrity with food."
14
"What is acceptable on a personal level is very different from what is acceptable on a business level. When we utilize touch well, we can elevate our presentation, demonstrate respect, and convey confidence. However, when we use touch poorly, it can be disastrous, personally and professionally."
13
"Sometimes you must agree with someones opinion for the sake of being polite and modest, but within you, you know that you are not foolish and crazy."
13
"To cease to admire is a proof of deterioration."
13
"Now," said Brandons low, cold voice. "Lets not be rude eve."
12
"He who observes etiquette but objects to lying is like someone who dresses fashionably but wears no vest."
12
"Asking permission to call someone by their first name is a gesture of gentility and consideration. And once permission is granted, the gate is open for mutual respect and mutual purpose. Simply demonstrating this courtesy before making an assumption is impressive. Once permission is granted, you have earned points on both sides."
11
"It is better to be polite than rude."
11
"When you have told anyone you have left him a legacy the only decent thing to do is to die at once."
10
"Seek to make others feel comfortable by demonstrating respect for their individual needs as well as their cultural norms. Your consideration and heightened awareness will guide you well-and help you make a great first impression."
10
"Considerations & Exceptions for Impressive Handshakes Be mindful of a person's age; be tender with arthritic hands. In that case, a loose and gentler handshake is a gesture of sensitivity and compassion. Show interest; even if your right hand is full, offer your left hand. Demonstrate respect when you are caught in an introduction while seated; try to stand. Be instinctive about when to allow the length of your handshake to linger to express unity, connection, or sympathy."
10
"Dining with the King; your attire, attitude and mentality must change."
9
"Your handshake has the power to reveal your strength of character, make a promise, demonstrate your level of respect, exercise your etiquette, and represent your business acumen. Learning how to do it well will take you far in life and in business."
9
"To call certain people, such as your boss, teachers, professors, doctors, your parent's friends, etc. by their first names might be considered disrespectful. It is best to err on the side of caution until you know what is appropriate."
8
"Don't lick the guests, darling. Bad manners."
8
"Victorian rigidities were such that ladies were not even allowed to blow out candles in mixed company, as that required them to pucker their lips suggestively. They could not say that they were going "to bed"--that planted too stimulating an image--but merely that they were "retiring." It became effectively impossible to discuss clothing in even a clinical sense without resort to euphemisms. Trousers became "nether integuments" or simply "inexpressibles" and underwear was "linen." Women could refer among themselves to petticoats or, in hushed tones, stockings, but could mention almost nothing else that brushed bare flesh."
6
"He looks around at his guests. All are prepared. A Latin grace; English would be his choice, but he will suit his company. Who cross themselves ostentatiously, in papist style. Who look at him, expectant. He shouts for the waiters. The doors burst open. Sweating men heave the platters to the table. It seems the meat is fresh, in fact not slaughtered yet. It is just a minor breach of etiquette. The company must sit and salivate. The Boleyns are laid at his hand to be carved."
6
"I am always saying "Glad to've met you" to somebody I'm not at all glad I met. If you want to stay alive, you have to say that stuff, though."
4
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