Etiquette on Wheels

There are days that I long for the easier days of horse and buggy travel. At least everyone seemed to be going at the same pace. Today when The Hooper-Bracketts venture out, it is an adventure, to say the least. Let us examine good and proper etiquette when driving our mechanical chariots.

Speeding is unmannerly. Speed limits exist for a reason and if you are one of those that enjoys running up to the bumper of the car in front of you and then swerving around, I turn up my nose at your buffoonery.

Driving too slowly is unmannerly. And this is most especially true if one is driving slowly in the fast lane…also known as LollyGagging. Move to the slow lane.

Distracted driving is unammnerly.  During each drive, I see people texting or using the handheld phone. Stop it, now! There is NOTHING that is more important than arriving safely…no call, text, Facebook post.

Merging bufoonry is unmannerly. I’m going to catch hell for this because I know all about the zipper merge. But I also know that in New England, this rarely works. I include both drivers who will not allow others to merge and those that see the merge signs five miles back and merge at the last minute in the same boat of rudeness. Be courteous!

Also unmmannerly:

The habit of not using the turn signal (blinker or more commonly blinkah where The Hooper-Bracketts are from) is dangerous and rude.

Blowing one’s horn for no reason other than to hear it blare is the height of rudeness. One should only trumpet to avert danger, not to vent frustration.

Driving with the high beams on (horrors!) will earn you a stern look from me if I see you out and about.

Remember: drive courteously!

Best Driving Wishes,

The Lady Hooper-Brackett

The Masculine Graces: Chivalry Part 2

To continue on with our look at the Gentlemanly Art of Chivalry:

A gentleman may order for a lady if they are out to dinner. I find this to be such a nice old-fashioned custom (I happen to like old fashioned things). The lady glances at the menu, makes her selection, tells her escort what she would like and he orders for her.

When going to a movie, concert , or theater, a gentleman allows the lady to go first when going into the row of seats.

While walking together on a sidewalk, a gentleman places himself on the side that abuts the street.

Gentlemen remove their hats while indoors.

Gentlemen open car doors for their ladies. I do so love this. Lord Hooper-Brackett does this when we go out and even though we have been together for many years, it still makes me smile.

It is exceedingly gentlemanly to be sure that all ladies are served first if you are the host and passing drinks, appetizers, etc.

And there you have some more on the subject of chivalry…and I am quite sure I will have more to say on this subject as time goes on.

Best Mannerly Wishes,

The Lady Hooper-Brackett

The Masculine Graces: Chivalry Part 1

I am blessed to be surrounded by male friends and family members who have learned and developed their skills as chivalric men. Now, whether this is due to fear of offending me, I cannot say, however I have heard others give them compliments on their manners, so I am hopeful they are chivalric because it is the correct and mannerly thing to do.

So…what are some chivalric habits of the cultivated male? To start, we will look at these skills.

Gentlemen should rise when a lady enters or leaves the room. This rule of chivalry extends to ladies also when an older person or some person of great esteem enters and leaves.

Gentlemen should open doors for ladies. I can hear the groans from the independent factions of females who feel they do not need a man to do this for them. To this I say: Let the gentleman be gentlemanly and open your door. You merely have to utter the words “Thank you” when he does so. It is a nicety. Let him be nice and let you be gracious in accepting the niceness.

Gentlemen should give up their seats on public conveyances to ladies. He should also assist with any packages or luggage she might be trying to stow. I realize there are some women who think they can handle things fine. Just accept the courtesy shown to you. Remember that the etiquette is to make everyone feel at ease. He is trying to put you at ease. Your refusal, righteous indignation, anger, offense etc…will not put him at ease, nor will it put the spectators around you at ease.

Should a gentleman ask a lady for a date or to accompany him to some entertainment, he picks up the tab. I should say that this is also a vice-versa situation. If the lady asks, she pays.

More to follow!

Best Chivalry Wishes,

The Lady Hooper-Brackett

Mobile Manners: The Etiquette of Cell Phone Usage

I cannot begin to list how many times I’ve been out with Lord Hooper-Brackett and while enjoying a meal, having the peace shattered by a big mouth at the next table having a loud conversation on his cell. Of course these vociferous exchanges are usually precipitated by an obnoxious ringtone playing a vulgar song. 

I’ve pretty much had enough of cell phone use in public and have compiled a list of things that will help you in not being one of ‘those people’ who annoy others when using your cell phone.

  1. Etiquette and manners are about consideration of those around you. If you remember nothing else about manners, remember this: Do Nothing That Will Draw Attention To Yourself. (I say this part loud: Please reconsider your public ringtone)
  2. Speak softly and speak quickly.
  3. Do not discuss private topics or other people in a public place. Voices carry.
  4. Do watch your language and do not curse or swear. 
  5. Do not repeatedly glance at your phone, text, or check the web while you are conversing with others.
  6. Do not be a distracted driver and use the cell while you are driving.
  7. Silence phones in theaters, libraries, churches, schools, meetings….anywhere that people can be disturbed.
  8. If it annoys you when you see others doing it, it annoys others when you do it. Remember that people and relationships matter; be mindful of your habits and control them.

Technology is a wonderful thing…after all, it allows you to read this blog! How we handle the technology is another thing entirely.  I am hopeful that a day will come when everyone in restaurants looks up at the person they are seated across from and not down at their phones.

Best Cell Wishes,

The Lady Hooper-Brackett

Dealing With Overly Friendly Pets

The Hooper-Bracketts are definitely dog people. I love my little mixed-breed rescue dog (sometimes more than I like people!) This question comes from someone who doesn’t particularly like pets.

Dear Lady Hooper-Brackett, 

Full disclosure: I think most pets are smelly creatures and can’t stand when I am visiting a friend’s house and I am bombarded with attention from their pets. How can I politely let my friend or the host know that I do not like to be around their pets? 

Not Pet Friendly

Dear Not Pet Friendly,

I can assure you that not all pets are smelly creatures. With that being said, I believe that the most polite way to explain why a pet cannot be around you is to simply say, “I’m so sorry, but I am allergic to your (insert animal type).” A good host should immediately remove their animal companion so as not to cause the guest undue discomfort. I am also sure that the pet will also be thankful to be removed from your presence since you object to them so strongly.

Best Pet Wishes,

The Lady Hooper-Brackett