When George Washington was only 14, he wrote a book listing the rules he thought men should follow to by classy, well-respected members of society. Over the years, these rules have been lost as society focuses more on allowing people to choose how they wish to act, but here are some rules that I believe should be brought back into public practice.
1. “Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present.”
Everything you say or do ought to be beneficial to your company. Do not make disrespectful remarks or inappropriate gestures. Nothing good will come out of insulting your peers. This will only lead to arguments and rash decisions.
2. “If you cough, sneeze, or yawn, do it not loud but privately; and speak not in your yawning, but put your handkerchief or hand before your face and turn aside.”
Nobody wants to be in the presence of foul noises and sickening germs. If your body is making unpleasant noises, excuse yourself and move to the next room. If you are unable to excuse yourself, try to be polite as possible; try to hide the sound or if worse comes to worse apologize to those in your company. Having a handkerchief in your pocket also makes for a classic look.
3. “Read no letters, books, or papers in company; but when there is a necessity for the doing of it, you must ask leave. Come not near the books or writings of another so as to read them or give your opinion of them unasked; also look not nigh when another is writing a letter.”
Today, people don’t read books or letters around their friends very often, but this rule works well in an age where people are constantly staring at their phone while in the company of others. If you’re in company, stay off your phone.
4. “Undertake not to teach your equal in the art himself professes, it savours of arrogance.”
If someone is a professional in their field, don’t tell them how to do their job. You may just be trying to help, but in the other’s eyes you are being rude and arrogant.
5. “Play not the peacock, looking everywhere about you, to see if you be well decked, if your shoes fit well, if your stockings sit neatly, and clothes handsomely.”
Don’t compare yourself to others. You are not them. If you are dressed well, then you are dressed well enough.