You must never introduce people to each other in public places unless you are certain beyond a doubt that the introduction will be agreeable to both. You cannot commit a greater social blunder than to introduce, to a person of position, some one she does not care to know, especially on shipboard, in hotels, or in other very small, rather public, communities where people are so closely thrown together that is correspondingly to avoid undesirable acquaintances who have been given the wedge of an introduction.
People in good society rarely ask to be introduced to each other, but if there is a good reason for knowing some one, they often introduce themselves; for instance, Mary Smith says:
"Mrs. Jones, aren't you a friend of my mother's? I am Mrs. Titherington Smith's daughter." Mrs. Jones says: "Why , my child, I am so glad you spoke to me. Your mother and I have known each other since we were children!"
Or, an elder lady ask: Aren't you Mary Smith? I have known your mother since I was you age." Or a young woman says: Aren't you Mrs. Worldly?" Mrs. Worldly, looking rather freezingly polite says "Yes" and waits. And the stranger continues, I think my sister Millicent Manners is a friend of yours." Mrs. Worldly as one unbends. "Oh, yes, indeed, I am devoted to Millicent! And you must be---?"
"I'm Alice."
"Oh, of course, Millicent has often talked of you, and of your lovely voice. I want to hear you sing some time."
Theses self-introductions, however, must never presumingly be made. It would be in very bad taste for Alice to introduce herself to Mrs. Worldly if her sister knew her only slightly. ---Etiquette By Emily Post 1922©
I have been a lazy blogger. I have not even read blogs! I will catch up.
3 comments:
I think Ms. Post is wrong on this one. She seems to be making class distinctions - like lower class people are not suppose to talk to the upper class. I was taught to introduce people when they come into contact with each other and say something that will help the conversation to flow between the two people meeting for the first time - similar to Ms Post's intros. I introduced Jan (yon) to Josiah at Jesse's party and added that Jan was learning to play the guitar. I figured music was something they had in common and could be a conversation starter for them.
I thought Dear Emily always made class distinctions... that was part of her "schtik," for lack of a better term. Bringing Upper-Class Manners to the hoi-polloi, and all that. At least that was what Mom thought, even though she swore by Emily (not AT her).
Lou: You are very right there. But if I were of the weather class and someone who used their acquaintances to obtain something from the upper class. Than I would not want those kind of introductions. But knowing how to properly introduce people is a very important in social settings.
Buck: That she does. LOL!
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