Etiquette Circa 1964
Posted by VickyC on July 10th, 2010
When I was emptying out my house, I came across a number of my father’s books. Amongst the planes, trains and automobiles books, was a gem titled “Etiquette” by Martine Legge that was published in 1964. I just finished reading the “Taking Out A Girl” section, and it’s amazing how in 40 years, nothing has really changed.
Despite being equipped with a full arsenal of weapons-of-man-attraction, like our eyelash curlers and push-up bras, we still want the same thing: We just want to know what is going on!
By that, I do not mean that we want to be totally controlling (because we don’t – well, not totally) or clairvoyant and see visions of babies, detatched houses with pools and white picket fences. No, no.. From here, I am going to quote from my new bible, Etiquette:
“Nothing is more depressing or irritating to a girl than to be constantly asked by a man what she would like to do, where she wants to go and what she wants to do next. It is a matter of basic psychology that women (as a whole) like to be led in these matters and have things chosen for them, and they will sit happily through a play that bores then to distraction if they find a man attractive” (Legge)
HOW TRUE IS THAT?! How many of us have said “he’s cute, I’ll watch ESPN for 7 hours with him”, or “he’s cute, I’ll spend the entire weekend doing a tour of BestBuy and The Home Depot with him”. We will certainly be bored to distraction, but that doesn’t matter, because the guy is attractive! Take that as a major compliment, guys. She might look bored out of her mind, but on the up side, she thinks you’re cute!
As for the having things decided for us, “Etiquette” goes on to explain that this is because the girl does not want to be over/under dressed. Which is a great idea! Every girl has had the “OMG I don’t know what to wear, because I don’t know what we’re doing” panic, 36 hours prior to their date. It’s not fun.
Is this kind of etiquette still alive anywhere?! Like instead of saying “She’ll have the fish” the man should say “The lady would like the salmon”.. *swoon*
And as if just being in possession of “Etiquette” wasn’t enough, I flipped to the end and found that my dad had kept some invitations in the back. One of them is dated 1970, so I guess the others are from around the same time. There is one that is printed on a small sheet of personalized stationary that simply states:
John and Jane Smith will be at home for cocktails on Sunday 18th May, 11 am – 1 pm. They will be pleased to see you all if you are free.
Cocktails before noon on a Sunday sounds absolutely delightful! Such a shame it was 40 years ago.
On a side note, this picture is taken from the cover of “Etiquette”. Isn’t this just the most fabulous way of getting out of an automobile? I’m going to spend the remainder of the weekend perfecting this look.
Tags: 1964, Etiquette, Martine Legge, VickyC, VickyC.me
Fabulous! Makes me wonder what the author says about romance, kissing, etc.
Indeed.. I will certainly do a follow up article!