THINGS TO BE AVOIDED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9124, 4 August 1888, Page 4 (Supplement)

THINGS TO BE AVOIDED.

As argument in " company." Fault-finding, though gentle criticism is in good taste. Avoid beginning a conversation by an allusion to the weather.

Avoid talking to any one person in the presence of others in a language not understood save by the two persons using it, unless addressing a foreigner in his own tongue, and then others should be made aware of the topics of conversation. Avoid using the words "she" or "he," accompanied by a nod of the head or a jerk of the thumb in the direction of the persons spoken of, but speak the name of the lady or gentleman. Avoid all remarks intended to have a double meaning.

Do not betray egotism. Do not be satirical, save in defence of yourself against impertinence. Never show that you notice any error in language, either of pronunciation or grammar, on the part of those with whom you are conversing. Do not whistle, 101 l about, scratch your head, or fidget with any portion of your apparel while in conversation. Be alert to avoid absence of mind.

Do not ask to have a sentence repeated unless you actually failed to hear it. Many persons have contracted the careless habit of saying " What?" "Eh ?" and the like. Never interrupt the person who is speaking.