Chaperons don't enforce morality; they force immorality to be discreet.
– Judith Martin
Dear miss manners: Some time ago, a lady was dancing with her male friend at the White House and her underslip dropped off on the dance floor, and the lady just kept dancing as if nothing had happened. Was this the proper thing for the lady to do?
– Judith Martin
Gentle reader: Yes, the thing to do is to ignore it. A general rule of etiquette is that one apologizes for the unfortunate occurrence, but the unthinkable is unmentionable.
– Judith Martin
Hypocrisy is not generally a social sin, but a virtue.
– Judith Martin
Indeed, Miss Manners has come to believe that the basic political division in this country is not between liberals and conservatives but between those who believe that they should have a say in the love lives of strangers and those who do not.
– Judith Martin
It's far more impressive when others discover your good qualities without your help.
– Judith Martin
Most people who work at home find they do not have the benefit of receptionists who serve as personal guards.
– Judith Martin
Parents should conduct their arguments in quiet, respectful tones, but in a foreign language. You'd be surprised what an inducement that is to the education of children.
– Judith Martin
We are all born charming, fresh and spontaneous, and must be civilized before we are fit to participate in society.
– Judith Martin
You do not have to do everything disagreeable that you have a right to do.
– Judith Martin
Let us make a special effort to stop communicating with each other, so we can have some conversation.
– Judith Martin
Many people mistakenly think a new technology cancels out an old one.