Character Quote by Judith Martin

“Only humility will help us grow. The feeling of I and mine obstructs any possibility of inner growth.”

— Amma

Miss Manners does not mind explaining the finer points of gracious living, but she feels that anyone without the sense to pick up a…

— Judith Martin

“DEAR MISS MANNERS: Should you tell your mother something if it is important when she is talking to company? I am six. GENTLE READER:…

— Judith Martin

“As if etiquette weren’t magnificently capable of being used to make others feel uncomfortable. All right. Miss Manners will give you an example, although…

— Judith Martin

It is one of Miss Manners's great discoveries that one needn't contradict others in order to set them straight.

— Judith Martin

Shame is the proper reaction when one has purposefully violated the accepted behavior of society. Inflicting it is etiquette's response when its rules are…

— Judith Martin

“DEAR MISS MANNERS: When does a gentleman offer his arm to a lady as they are walking down the street together? GENTLE READER: Strictly…

— Judith Martin

Miss Manners herself, while never rude, is given to pulling a fast pinch in the way of a handshake on those who believe in…

— Judith Martin

GENTLE READER: You, sir, are an anarchist, and Miss Manners is frightened to have anything to do with you. It is true that questioning…

— Judith Martin

“One of the major mistakes people make is that they think manners are only the expression of happy ideas. There’s a whole range of…

— Judith Martin

“Miss Manners hereby absolves everyone from feeling any embarrassment deliberately imposed by others.”

— Judith Martin

Nobody believes that the man who says, 'Look, lady, you wanted equality,' to explain why he won't give up his seat to a pregnant…

— Judith Martin

“One can become quite proficient at this amiable patter; the trick is to omit the instructive parts when attending formal dinner parties outside the…

— Judith Martin

“Relax!” “Don’t go to so much trouble!” “Why don’t you use plastic glasses?” “Take off your jacket!” “Why don’t you use paper napkins?” “Don’t…

— Judith Martin

“DEAR MISS MANNERS: I a tired of being treated like a child. My father says it's because I am a child--I am twelve-and-a-half years…

— Judith Martin