Small Courtesies.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 24 April 1914, Page 8

Small Courtesies.

(By MRS. FRANK LEARNED.)

Sufficient attention is not given to the little every-day courtesies, the trifles which help to smooth the way and help to win the good will of others. A pleasant bow, a cordial greeting, a word of thanks expressed at the right moment, a friendly clasp of the hand, these are not difficult things, yet how often they are neglected. An important small courtesy is the cultivation of a iremory for faces and namas, to oe able to "place" people, as the saying is, to remember just where one has met them and with what occasion or special event they axe associated. To speak immediately of something in connection with the last meeting, or of something personal in order to show interest, is sure to give pleasure. A very, necessary courtesy is to put others at ease always. If one greets an acquaintance whom one has not met for a long time it. is

polite to say, "I hope you remember me. I am ALrs. " It is neither courteous nor well-bred to try to puzzle an acquaintance as to one's identity or to say blandly, "Don't you remember me ?" or something equally indefinite, while the troubled acquaintance searches her mind and is ill at ease from sheer forgetfulness. A quick reminder at once as to one's name is obligatory and opens the way to conversation.

Many persons are dilatory about replying to invitations to luncheons, card parties, or dinners, although these require answers within twenty-four hours at least, as a hostess wishes to know on whom she may depend and to have time to fill places of those who cannot come. It is a small courtesy and at the same time a mark of true friendliness and obligingness for a friend to accept with cordiality

when asked at the last moment to fill a vacancy. In home life the small, sweet courtesies meed to be practised. We must be polite to the members of our household and not save manners for guests only. Too much is taken for granted in the home circle. Relationship does not entitle anyone to make rude, sarcastic, critical speeches.