Older Traditional Manners
There had been for decades a set group of traditional manners expected of all individuals, especially taught to children. These your parents, grandparents, gr grandparents, etc grew up and followed.
Here are some traditional good behaviors:
A child was never to argue with an adult, with what the adult said, especially if a parent spoke, it was law.
Children were not to interrupt adults when they were speaking. You waited until the adult was finished talking.
Children were expected to stand straight and sit in a chair straight –never slouch.
While eating food, one never talked with the mouth full – adults and children.
One was modest and did not brag or try to show off.
Everyone was to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.
Children must say “Yes Ma’am” and “Yes Sir” or use their surname; “Yes, Mrs. Jones”
While at the dinner table, children and adults did not leave the table without asking permission of those remaining at the table.
Males (young or old) all removed their hat when they entered inside a building, store, church or home.
A common action of good manners was to give up one’s seat on a train, bus, tram, etc. if an older person, or disable got on board. Also if there were no seats for a lady then a gentleman gave up his seat for her.
Acceptable greetings to anyone, either seeing or on the phone was to say “Good morning” pr “Good evening”.
Gentlemen use to stand if a lady entered the room to join them or was exiting the room to leave the group. Once very common was for men to stand as a lady left the dinner table or came to sit down. Gentlemen also always opened the door to a house or building for a lady including a car door.
Rude behavior was not writing a thank you note to someone who did something special for you, including visiting you, giving you a gift, helping you, etc. A personal handwritten thank was always expected.
It makes you think, how many of these example of good manners are still done today.
Photos: ‘Please & thank you’; Hold the door for a lady; Opening a door for a lady; and a man removing his hat once inside a building.
Related FamilyTree.com Blogs:
Children’s Games of Yesteryear
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