England's Lost Rules of Etiquette

In the olden days it was unheard of to act outside the rules of etiquette unless off course you were an outlaw. There are certain rules of etiquette that could drive most people living in this era crazy. Here are some of the rules that were considered as an act of rudeness in old England.

Asking For Gifts

Although asking for a gift is equally considered rude even in this present age. These days people practically ask you for gifts when intending couples open a "gift registry" at a store where you wouldn't even dream of going to shop for yourself! The price range of items on the gift registry list is often quite colossal, if this is not asking for gifts, I don't know what is.

Arriving Late

These days people care less about coming to an event late. They arrive "fashionably late," there was no such thing as being fashionably late in the olden days. Turning up late was considered an act of rudeness and it showed that you were ill-bred. Do you know that if you arrived late to a dinner party in the olden days, your dinner would be served to you in the kitchen where you would sit and eat dinner alone in the company of the domestic staff?

Drawing Attention To Yourself

People in the olden days would never attract attention to themselves in any way. They walked, talked and dressed discreetly. They would never call on anyone on the other side of the street because doing so can draw attention and nobody wants that.

I can't say the same for most people living in this day and age. Almost everyone wants to be seen and in most cases, heard.

Dressing Up For Family Dinner

I don't think anyone on earth still dresses up to eat dinner at home! These days' people wear casual clothes to dinner. Some families even eat their meals in front of the TV. The significance of family dinner in the olden days was to stress the importance of healthy meals and cleanliness.

Borrowing Money

No one dared talked about money let alone thought about borrowing money from anyone. Borrowing money from a woman was considered improper in merry old England. If a gentleman had to borrow money (from a man), he must sign a written agreement promising to pay back the borrowed sum at a specified date.

Most people do not think twice about borrowing money from people and or institution in this present era, they even talk about their financial status.

Talking To People Without Being Formerly Introduced

You don't just walk up to people and introduce yourself in the olden days; it is rude to do so. If you desire to be acquainted with someone, you simply ask a relative or someone who is already familiar with the person you wish to be friends with and kindly ask them to introduce you to this person.

People in this modern time will simply walk up to anyone they wish to know and introduce themselves, which to many people is an act of courage and confidence.

Most people wonder, how could anyone live like that? It worked for them just fine. I bet our great grand children will wonder how we survived in our time.