Richmond Proper: On Frenemies
Frenemies: the final frontier. We all have them, these hybrid friends/enemies, and yet it’s hard to put your finger on why they’re in this category and what to do about them.
Archives: Richmond Proper
Richmond Proper: On Thank-You Notes
“Never think, because you cannot write a letter easily, that it is better not to write at all. The most awkward note that can be imagined is better than none — for to write none is the depth of rudeness.”
— Emily Post
Richmond Proper: On Surprises
“You have deftly pointed out the problem with surprise parties. They take the guest of honor by surprise.”
— Judith Martin
Richmond Proper: On Rock Show Etiquette
“Only a great fool or a great genius is likely to flout all social grace with impunity, and neither one, doing so, makes the most comfortable companion.” — Amy Vanderbilt
Richmond Proper: On Setting the Table
“Now and again, Miss Manners likes to frighten everyone by brandishing weird silverware. Lettuce forks. Ice cream knives. Bonbon spoons. She leaps out at kindly folk who say, ‘Etiquette is just simple consideration of others,’ and demands, ‘Oh, yes? Then what about THIS?'” — Judith Martin
Richmond Proper: On Making Conversation
“My idea of good company is the company of clever, well-informed people who have a great deal of conversation.”
— Jane Austen
Richmond Proper: On Being a Good Host
“The ideal hostess must have so many perfections of sense and character that were she described in full, no one seemingly but a combination of seer and angel could ever hope to qualify.”
— Emily Post
Richmond Proper: On Being a Good Guest
“The good guest is almost invisible, enjoying him or herself, communing with fellow guests, and, most of all, enjoying the generous hospitality of the hosts.”
— Emily Post
Richmond Proper: On Waiting in Line
“The person who claims urgency had better have a good reason, preferably to be borne out by the subsequent arrival on the scene of a team of paramedics. Otherwise, any behavior circumventing the natural system of crowds….sometimes known as ‘first come, first served’ — is rude.” — Judith Martin
Richmond Proper: On the Importance of the RSVP
“There are those who feel so socially desirable that they consider themselves excused from any obligations to their entertainers, including answering invitations, dressing and arriving according to instructions, expressing gratitude, or reciprocating.”
— Judith Martin
