Picture Play Magazine (Sep 1921 - Feb 1922)

Why Some PeqjleAre Never At Ease Among Strangers PEOPLE of culture can be recognized at once. They are calm, well-poised. They have a certain dignity about them, a certain calm assurance which makes people respect them. It is because they know exactly what to do and say on every occasion that they are able to mingle with the most highly cultivated people and yet be entirely at ease. But there are some people who are never at ease among strangers. Because they do not know the right thing to do at the right time, they are awkward, self-conscious. They are afraid to accept invitations because they do not know what to wear, how to acknowledge introductions, how to make people like them. They are timid in the presence of celebrated people because they do not know when to rise and when to remain seated, when to speak and when to remain silent, when to o£fer one's chair and when not to. They are always uncomfortable and embarrassed when they are in the company of cultured men and women. It is only by knowing definitely, without the slightest doubt, what to do, say, write and wear on all occasions, under all conditions, that one is able to be dignified, charming and well-poised at all times. How Etiquette Gives Charm and Poise Etiquette means good manners. It means knowing what to do at the rifjht time, what to say at the right time. It consists of certain important little laws of good conduct that have been adopted by the best circles in Europe and America and which serve as a barrier to keep the uncultured and ill-bred out of the circles where they would be uncomfortable and embarrassed. People with good manners, therefore, are people whose poise and dignity impress you immediately with a certain awe. a certain respect. Etiquette makes them graceful, confident. It enables them to mingle with the most cultured people and be perfectly at ease. It takes away their self-consciousness, their timidity. By knowing what is expected of them, what is the correct thing to do and say they become calm, dignified and well poised — and they are welcomed and admired in the highest circles of business and society. Here's the Way People Judge Us Let us pretend that we are in the drawing room and the hostess is serving tea. Numerous little questions of conduet confront us. If we know what to do we are happy, at ease. But if we not know the correct and cultured thing to do, we are ill at ease. We know we are betraying ourselves. We know that those who are with us can tell immediately, simpl.v li,v watching us and talking to us. if we are not cultured. For Instance, one must know how to eat cake correctly. Should it lie taken up in the fingers or eaten with a fork? Should the napkin be entirely unfolded or should the center crease be allowed to remain? May lump sugar be taken up with the fingers? There are other problems, too — many of them. Should the man rise when he accepts a cup of tea from the hostess? Should he thank her? Who should be served first? What should the guest do with the cup when he or she has finished the tea? Is it good form to accept a second cup? What Is the secret of creating . conversation and making people find you pleasant and agreeable ? It is so easy to commit embarrassing blunders, so easy to do what is wrong. But etiquette tells us .iust what is expected of us and guards us from all humiliation and discomfort. Etiquette in Public 1^ Here are some questions which will help Do You Know and how to introduce men women correctly? how to word invitations, announcements, acknowledgments? how to register at a hotel? how to take leave of the hostess after an entertainment? how to plan home and church weddings? you find out ,iust how much i/oii know about the etiquette that must be observed among strangers. Sec how man.v of them you can answer : When a man and woman enter the theatre together, who walks first down the aisle? When the usher points out the seats, does the man enter first or the woman? May a man leave a woman alone during intermission? There is nothing that so quickly reveals one's true station and breeding than awkward, poor manners at the table. Should the knife be held in the left hand or the right? Should olives be eaten with the finger or with a fork? How is lettuce eaten? What is the correct and cultured way to eat corn on the cob? Are the fiuger-tips of both hands placed into the finger-bowl at once, or just one at a time? When a man walks in the street with two women does he walk between them or next to the curb? Who enters the street car first, the man or the woman ? When does a man tip his hat? On what occasions is it considered bad form for him to pa.v a woman's fare? May a man on any occasion hold a woman's arm when they are walking together? Some people learn all al)0ut etiquette and correct conduct by associating with cultured people and learning what to do and sa,v at the expense of man.y emiiarrassing blunders. But most people are now learning quickl.y and easily through the fainous Book of Etiquette — a splendid, carefull.V compiled, authentic guide towards correct manners on all occasions. how to use table silver in the proper way? how to do at all times, under all conditions, the cultured, correct thing? Many embarrassinp blunders can be made in the public resimirant. Should the youna lady in the picture pick up the fork or leave it for the waiter to attend to! Or should one of the men pick it up? is incorrect. And by knowing so definitely that one is perfect in the art of etiquette, a confident poise is developed which enables one to appear in the most elaborate drawing room, among the most brilliant and highly cultured people, without feelin,g the least bit ill at ease. Send No Money To enable everyone, everywhere, to examine the famous Book of Etiquette without obligation, we make this special offer to send the complete two-volume set free for 5 days to anyone requesting it. Entirely free — no money in advance. All that is necessary is your name and address on the coupon below, and tlie Book of Etiquette will be sent to you at once at our expense. You have the privilege of examining it, reading it, and deciding for yourself whether or not you want to keep it. Send for the Book of Etiquette today. Bead some of the interesting chapters. Surprise your friends and acquaintances with your knowledge of what to do, say, write and wear on all occasions. And when you have been fully convinced that etiquette widens your circle of friends, makes you admired and respected, increases your knowledge of society and its requirements, gives you poise, self-confidence and charm — keep the set and send us $3.50 in full payment. But if you are not utterly delighted after the .5-day free trial, simply return the books and you won't be out a cent. The Book of Etiquette is published in handsome cloth binding decorated in gold. Send for your set today. Just the coupon, remember — no money. But get your coupon off NOW. Nelson Doubleday. Inc.. Dept. 4011, Oyster Bay. N. Y. The Book of Etiquette The Book of Etiquette makes it possible for you to do, say. writ(> and wear what is absolutel.v correct and in accord with the best form on ever,v occasion — whether .vou are to be bridesmaid at a wedding or usher at a friend's private theatre party. It covers ever,vday etiquette in all its pliases. There are chajiters on the etiquette of engagements, weddings, dances, parties and all social entertainments, Thcri> are interesting chapters on corri'spondence, invitations, calls and calling cards. New chapters on the etiquette in foreign countries have been added, and there are many helpful hints to the man or woman who travels. With the Book of Etiquette to refer to, there can be no mistakes, no embarrassment. One knows exactly what is correct and what Nelson Doubleday, New York. Inc., Dept. 4011, Oyster Bay, Without money in advance, or obligation on my part, send me the Two Volume set of the Book of Etiquette. Within 5 days T will either return the books or send you S3. 50 in full paj-ment. It is understood that I am not obliged to keep the books if I am not delighted with them. (Please write plainly) □ Cheek this square if you want these books with the beautiful full leather binding at $5.00. with 5 days" examination privilege