First. I began my career as a copy girl. and the White House coverage, for example, was in the then-Women's section. So… — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
Etiquette is about all of human social behavior. Behavior is regulated by law when etiquette breaks down or when the stakes are… — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
Shame is the proper reaction when one has purposefully violated the accepted behavior of society. Inflicting it is etiquette's response when its… — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
Allowing an unimportant mistake to pass without a comment is a wonderful social grace ... Children who have the habit of constantly… — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
Charming villains have always had a decided social advantage over well-meaning people who chew with their mouths open. — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
Etiquette is all human social behavior. If you're a hermit on a mountain, you don't have to worry about etiquette; if somebody… — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
Allowing an unimportant mistake to pass without comment is a wonderful social grace. — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
Meanwhile, the empty forms of social behavior survive inappropriately in business situations. We all know that when a business sends its customers… — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
One of the big no-nos in cyberspace is that you do not go into a social activity, a chat group or something… — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
To sacrifice the principles of manners, which require compassion and respect, and bat people over the head with their ignorance of etiquette… — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
'Honesty' in social life is often used as a cover for rudeness. But there is quite a difference between being candid in… — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
There are three social classes in America: upper middle class, middle class, and lower middle class. — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
Appearing to pay attention when someone is speaking is one of the cornerstones of real social interaction. — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
Smart people duck when they hear the dread announcement 'I'm going to be perfectly honest with you. — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
If you put together all the ingredients that naturally attract children - sex, violence, revenge, spectacle and vigorous noise - what you have is… — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
The one prediction that never comes true is, 'You'll thank me for telling you this. — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
Chaperons, even in their days of glory, were almost never able to enforce morality; what they did was to force immorality to be discreet.… — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
Perhaps the greatest rudenesses of our time come not from the callousness of strangers, but from the solicitousness of intimates who believe that their… — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
We are all entitled to our little harmless habits, but we are not entitled to demand approval for them. — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
“Lady” is not used before the lady’s first name unless she is the daughter of a duke, marquess or earl; those who come by… — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
Adorable children are considered to be the general property of the human race. Rude children belong to their mothers. — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
I have always believed that the key to a happy marriage was the ability to say with a straight face, 'Why, I don't know… — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
It is, indeed, a trial to maintain the virtue of humility when one can't help being right. — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
