Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1911-09-12
Manners In the Homo.

The best place to practice good man.
ners is In ones own home, In every day
life among ones own family. The habit
of being courteous should be cultivated,
not from wish TO follow conventional
forms, or merely to appear we'll before
guests or strangers, but because good
manners are the visible signs OF kindness
and unselfshness, and by constant prac-
tice one may attain attractive qualities.
Apart from this ideal standard 10 the
fact that by becoming accustomed early
in life to perform the small acts of polite
ness and agreeability, they will be per.
formed unconsciously, promptly and a.
most automatically, and thus, by unfail-
ing courtesy and quick thoughtfulness,
one will win popularity among friends
and acquaintances, and be ut ease In So
ciety.
Many persons make the mistake OF re-
serving pleasant manners for strangers,
while they take for granted that they
may be selfish, dull, sulky, even rude, at
home. tbs of Importance to try to win
the admiration of parents, brothers and
sisters before winning the liking OF sc-
quaintances. The home atmosphere
may be made cheerful and gay, gloomy
and sad, simply by the dispositions or
tempers of the household. What may
be termed an amiable morning manner"
is delightful. A pleasant greeting at
breakfast, a bright smile and cheerful
couptenance make good beginning for
the day.
Punctuality at meals is important In
all well-regulated households. Ifdetain-
cd, one should offer an apology when
entering the rooms
Neatness in dress is an essential part
of refined living. Careless, slovenly at
tire at home is objectionable.
Pleasant conversation is an accom-
plishment, and should be practiced at
home. Silence at table 10 depressing.
One cannot expect to talk we'll in So
ciety IL one does not cultivate the habit
of talking we'll at home. There are al
ways pleasant, amusing, or interesting
things to relate in days experience, II
one is observing when going about
either on pleasure or business. The rest
of the family will eujoy hearing about
them. Others may be drawn out to talk
and laugh in happy fashion. Intelligent
tdlk dUOuG pQUiiC VI uoIiOuoi oNOuIoiic
always of interest.
Parents should not indulge In idle
talk, gossip or scandal, remembering
that children get large part of their
training by listening to conversation.
Bad news or sad news should never be
revealed at table. Good manners re-
quire that there should be no comments
or fault finding about food ct table.
Children should not be rebuked en-
phatically at table. If they must be cor
rected, it may be done quietly.
Brothers and sisters should not in
dulge in critical speeches or sharp home
truths toward each other, nor should
they tease.
A son or daughter should rise and
offer chair when the mother enters
room, or procure a chair for her and
place it in a good position, and do the
same for any older person.
Young people should remember that 1t
is polite to allow their parents, elders or
guests to precede them when entering or
leaving a room, or when going up stairs.
1t is proper to knock on the door OF
any ones bedroom before entering.
Boys should be taught to remove their
hats promptly as soon as they enter the
house.
If children are brought up to be polite,
respectful, well-mannered and consider
ate to their parents, they will be greatly
helped toward refinement and success In
life. They will understand that to be
self-assertive, aggressive or familiar,
shows lack of good breeding, and az
time goes on, they will be grateful for
the early home influence which trained
them to be courteous, considerate and
agreeable members of society.