TO BOW OR NOT TO BOW.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7667, 28 March 1903, Page 3

TO BOW OR NOT TO BOW.

Indecision with regard to " when to bow " and " when not to -bow " would appear 'to be more general than that experienced with r-egard to "shaking hands" or "not shaking hands." It may, perhaps, be considered a matter of little' moment whether a bow is given or withheld, or whether a shake of the hand is given in lieu of a- bow, but in reality it carries a distinct significance whether the right or tho wrono 1 thing is done on the spur of the moment. It should 'be understood that a T>ow is a ceremonious recognition between those but slightly acquainted, and who do not know each other intimately enough to speak or to shake hands with "them when they meet. When, for instance, two ladies mret who have been recent.lv introduced, if bows are not exchanged when passing each other it would be next to impossible to do so or. a subsequent occasion, nnd thus the acquaintance comes virtually to an end. Again, it is equally required that bows .■should foe* oxchiinqeil hnfwren friends unable to speak to each other on (he occasion of meeting, more especially between men and women than between women themselves. If a woman does not 'bow to a man she knows when he looks expectant of her bowing to- him he considers himself cut by her. although she has no s\ich intention, and was really postponing her greeting until, say, she' had shaken hands with her host and hostess at an outdoor gathering. The same equailv' holds cood between m?n and women as between women. When slight acquaintances meet at "at homes." and dinner parties to bow is all that is necessary, but the bow should be made as soon as "p^sible. If a lady is seated and another arrives, as soon as the one attracts the notice of the other, bows should be exchanged. There are incidental occasions when bows are given. At bieakfast in a _ country house^bows are the morning salutation. At dinner parties, when guests are seated far apart, they can, if inclined to do so. bow and .smile at one another. Out driving is a frequent opportunity for bowing. Sitting out in the park is another equally so ■ in fact, it is difficult, to sav when bowing should give place to shaking hands. Once, it has done so. however, it can never occupy fhe same footing with acquaintances "who have been met with a shake of the hand, although it serves the purpose of keeping in touch those separated by the barrier of a crowd of circumstances equally powerful to keep them temporarily asunder v .