POINTS OF ETIQUETTE.

Observer, Volume XLI, Issue 13, 27 November 1920, Page 27

POINTS OF ETIQUETTE.

The Proper Form. Before making an introduction at all, consider if it is likely to be acceptable to both parties, and, if possible, find out the wishes of both on the subject. If the introduction is found to be agreeable and there is a difference in. social rank, present the lady of inferior social standing to the lady of higher raiik. Thus, Mrs. A.— Lady B. is the correct formula, naming the lady of . inferior social rank first. This point of etiquette should be strictly observed. * * * Introducing a Man. A lady's consent must always be obtained before a gentleman may be introduced to her, and the man is always presented to the lady whatever his rank may be and whether she is socially his inferior, equal, or superior. Thus Mr. X.—Miss Z. is all that is necessary for the third person to say, but the names of the people being introduced should be pronounced clearly and distinctly to prevent mistakes. As a rule an unmarried lady should be presented to a married one, unless, of course, the unmarried lady is of higher rank, when the rule is reversed. In introducing ladies of equal rank it is immaterial which name is mentioned first. * * Shaking Hands. As regards the etiquette of handshaking, it is not usual or necessary for two strangers introduced by a third party to shake hands, but only to bow. There are,, however, exceptions to this rule, for example, when, introduced to some one with whom you will come in contact a great deal in the future, it would be more cordial to shake hands than to give a formal bow. A lady, too, would shake hands with everyone introduced to her in her own hoin'e, and repeat the courtesy when the visitor left. . It is the privilege of

the lady to offer to shake hands when a gentleman is introduced to her. • ■ ■ At Balls. At a ball or evening party the hostess may introduce any gentleman to a lady without first asking her permission after the lady has expressed her desire to dance. But such an introduction does not entitle a gentleman to bow to a lady on a future occasion, and it is quite permissible for a lady to ignore such salutation if the- gentleman commits that error. If when walking with a friend or acquaintance you are incidentally joined .by a third, it is not necessary to introduce the one to the other. Small Solecisms. It may not be out of place here to draw attention to a mistake which is sometimes made by the inexperienced, who do not know that they should address themselves first to the mistress of the house on entering her drawing-room, and not stop on the way to chat or shake hands with acquaintances. Even more frequently does one see the solecism committed,, by. which two visitors will take leave of one another" "before" announcing their departure to their hostess. A final point to bear in mind is that when greeting sfc man and his wife or a mother and her daughter, the wife or the mother should receive the t Ji.r.st handshake. **'"" ' & @> &