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 Chic Copy Share Image
We are born charming fresh and spontaneous and must be civilized before we are fit to participate in society. — Judith Martin Born 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 Chance Copy Share Image
It is not rude to turn off your telephone by switching it on to an answering machine, which is cheaper and less… — Judith Martin Answering machines 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 Bridal Copy Share Image
Why bring children into a world where no one writes letters? — Judith Martin Children Copy Share Image
The only way to enjoy the fun of catching people behaving disgustingly is to have children. One has to keep having them,… — Judith Martin Behavior Copy Share Image
One should not be assigned one's identity in society by the job slot one happens to fill. If we truly believe in… — Judith Martin Believe Copy Share Image
It's far more impressive when others discover your good qualities without your help. — Judith Martin Impressive Copy Share Image
The rationale that etiquette should be eschewed because it fosters inequality does not ring true in a society that openly admits to… — Judith Martin Conveying Copy Share Image
Nowadays people consider it a disgrace to admit that they are not stressed. — Judith Martin Disgrace Copy Share Image
Freedom without rules doesn't work. And communities do not work unless they are regulated by etiquette. — Judith Martin Communities Copy Share Image
You do not have to do everything disagreeable that you have a right to do — Judith Martin Disagreeable Copy Share Image
Dishonesty is not the only alternative to honesty. There is also the highly underrated virtue of shutting up. — Judith Martin Alternatives Copy Share Image
“In general desirability, a child-free environment is considered somewhere between smoke-free and germ-free. Miss” — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
Obviously I'm going to be polite, so nobody has anything to fear from me. — Judith Martin Anything Copy Share Image
I am a traditionalist, and I'm an innovator. Most of what I do is to weigh change and legislate to the best… — Judith Martin Ability Copy Share Image
You think death is any better an excuse for desertion than any other? — Judith Martin Death 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 About Copy Share Image
There is no etiquette rule that decrees one must give out personal information to anyone who asks. — Judith Martin Asks Copy Share Image
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, you may wear white shoes. Not before and not after. As a command, the White Shoe… — Judith Martin Absolutes Copy Share Image
Allowing an unimportant mistake to pass without comment is a wonderful social grace. — Judith Martin Allowing Copy Share Image
“Why, you look marvelous! I don’t know what it is, but you look fabulous.” D” — Judith Martin Copy Share Image
