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It's natural to feel jittery around new people. But…

“It's natural to feel jittery around new people. But sometimes you can get over your jitters if you make a joke. So when the Swedish housekeeper brought her breakfast on a tray, Charity said something cheeky about eating Lady Margaret out of house and home. But the big red-faced woman took no…” quote by Elizabeth Jane Howard
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““It's natural to feel jittery around new people. But sometimes you can get over your jitters if you make a joke. So when the Swedish housekeeper brought her breakfast on a tray, Charity said something cheeky about eating Lady Margaret out of house and home. But the big red-faced woman took no notice at all. So then Charity had to look totally relaxed and unconcerned as she enjoyed her breakfast in bed, which was easy enough after the first bite. The spooky Swedish housekeeper really was a fabulous cook. And Charity believed believed in looking for the best in people.””

Elizabeth Jane Howard

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Humor and optimism help ease social anxiety and reveal kindness in others.

In simple terms: Jokes can calm nerves.

Key Takeaway

Approach new people with light humor.

Themes

social anxiety humor optimism

Mood

hopeful lighthearted

Type

inspirational practical

When to use this quote

  • first dates
  • new coworkers
  • social gatherings

Key Concepts

confidence building social interaction empathy

Questions to Reflect On

  • When has a joke helped you connect?
  • How do you stay relaxed in unfamiliar settings?
A Different Perspective

Humor may backfire if misread.

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