“A pleasing modest reserve, and retiring delicacy, that avoids the vulgar stare of the public eye, and blushing, withdraws from the gaze of admiration, is beyond all doubt one of the principle beauties of the female character”
“It is this modesty that prevents any female taking prominent part in any conversation in company: but on the contrary, induces you to preserve a becoming silence, until your opinion is asked, or circumstances require you to join the conversation. This silence will never be taken for dullnessor stupidity by people of discernment, it is easy to take share in conversation without speaking at all.”
“Endeavour by all means to cultivate a good disposition, and you will never willingly give offence: a bad tempered woman is a burden to herself, and a pest to those connected with her.’
~From Etiquette for Ladies or The Principles of true Politeness 1855
oh you are but the right kind. This stuff is frightening. I keep thinking as I read it- where is the individual in all this?
it scared the wits out of me. All of this stuff is not so long ago. Having said that I also think today’s young girls need a wee bit of a refresher on a few areas……..
Oh dear. I’m sooooo not a lady…
so, did you laugh your butt off at this? 🙂