The Magnolia gazette., 1881-02-18

MhuWtIss
When. in general conversation, eer-
| tain opinions are pronounced or propo-
| sitious advanced AZ variance with, OF in
opposition to. your own ideas, do not
riisl into an argument. disputatious
person is never q fayorite. If you do not
agree with what is said, it is best 70 re-
main silent OF course, if you are
asked for yonr own opinion, give 1t
clearly and firmly, and yet IN manner
that cannot be construed as offensive 70
those holding different views and if the
matter is one with which you are only
partially Or not az all acquainted, own
the fact rather than slayishly follow
what another las said. No one can
know everything, and the candid express
sion that you are not competent to
Judge in the case will cause your opin-
ion On other points 10 have AL the more
weight.
s5me people bristle with objections
like d porcupine with quills, No matter
what Is mentioned or proposed, there
comes an objection in a moment Such
d habit may be almost unconsciously nc-
qjirel and indulged IN, but it is q very
ycNatious one.
II O person appropriates to himself
the best seat in the room, or stands with
his back TO the fire, or yuwns while he is
spoken to, or, in fact, does anything
which shows seltishness, indifference, or
lisrespect, it is needless 10 say he ere
ates an unfavorable impression, and dis
plays want Of proper training.
1t is always well to comply with, and
defer to, the wishes Of others us far as
possible Should q person Of greater
age or higher rank than yourself desire
you to precede him, either in passing
through d door or entering q carriage,
the proper thing to do IS TO obey imme-
diately
Precedence is always given TO ladies'
SO, in ascending or descending stair
case the lady should 60 first. The con-
trury is stated III some books Oh eti-
quette, but this is not in accordance with
the usages Of the best society.
AT church tile gentleman holds open
the door, and the lady precedes him up
the aisle, stopping AZ the pew-door for
| tIie gentleman to open il. Many ladies',
however, do not wait, but open the door
| themselves and enter at once.
Should you meet with d person Of This
temperament do not attempt TO defend
| voitr own views He would continue
mcouyinced 80 drop tho subject and
| turn the conversation into another chan
mel
The only occasions when the order Of
! precedence is reversed are on entering n
/ theater or cOncert-room, or walking
dong amy crowded thoroughfare. The
! gentleman IN these cases goes first to
clear the way.
With regard To other cases Of prece-
dence, be more 5olicitous about giving
others their position than about taking
your own.
A lady should not be permitted to de-
fray the cost Of her entrance-fee to anv
theater or exhibition, or to pay for re-
refreshments, etc. II She insists mon
reimbursing the amount the gentleman
must comply with her wishes.
Except in large households, where
servants are constantly in attendance in
the hail, il ID customary, before allow.
ing nny one TO leave the room to ring
for the servant to open the door. Every
one Is entitled to the civility, and lis
omission may cause resentment. Ex.
ccpt, OF course, when YOU accompany
your visitor to the door yourself. as Vol
would do il you wished 20 show esppcial
respect or regard, or when you are OF
such terms Of intimacy with your visitor
that all formality is dispensed with.
When lady is about to leave room
the gentleman should always rise an(
hold the door open for her to pass out