Fairness does not consist so much of everybody's doing the same thing, but of everybody's being willing to do something that others… — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
The invention of the teenager was a mistake. Once you identify a period of life in which people get to stay out… — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
You don't want to look too chic at a Washington party or people will think you don't have a job worth losing. — 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
people, in forming their opinions of others, are usually lazy enough to go by whatever is most obvious or whatever chance remark… — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
The whole country wants civility. Why don't we have it? It doesn't cost anything. No federal funding, no legislation is involved. One… — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
Precision marching is less important for the bridal party than maintaining the proper facial expresssions: The bridegroom must look awed; the bridesmaids,… — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
You can deny all you want that there is etiquette, and a lot of people do in everyday life. But if you… — 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
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
