Customs in Regard to Bowing.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 21 August 1914, Page 8

Customs in Regard to Bowing.

(By Mrs. FRANK LEARNED.)

One of the tests of good breeding, training, and culture is in the manner in which a bow or salutation of recognition is made. A brusque, abrupt manner is rude. A very effusive manner and a low* bow are worse. The correct salutation is between the two extremes. Although according to circumstances, a bow may be cordial, friendly, formal, slight, deferential or familiar, it must be made. A person who has been introduced is entitled to recognition. An important rule about bowing is that a man must wait for a lady to recognise him. Between friends the act of bowing is almost simultaneous, but it is the privilege of a woman to take the initiative by being the first to bow. As has been said, an introduction entitles everyone to a bow. Only for very grave reasons would anyone ever give a direct "cut," when the claim an introduction imposes has been absolutely forfeited. In a case where there has been inexcusable conduct the better way is to bow coldly, or turn away and look downward when passing. No one wishes to hurt the feelings of another, even for a serious offence. It is wise to throw the mantle of charity over the offender. A formal, distant bow may be given to an unwelcome acquaintance, and! this should be sufficient to prevent an aggressive, pushing person from presuming. When a man returns a lady's bow he should do so by distinctly taking his hat off and replacing it quickly. He should not hold if off at arm's length, but lift it not too far from his head. When he is with a lady who bows to anyone he raises his hat, although the person may be a stranger to him. A man raises his hat when he passes a man whom he knows who is with ladies, or when he is with a man who bows to a lady. It is proper for him to look straight ahead and not at the lady to whom a friend bows if she is unknown to him. A woman should bow to man who is either a friend or an acacquaintance, even when he "- with someone whom she does not know. When bowing, the head is inclined slightly. It is not correct to accompany a bow' with a broad smile even when recognising an intimate friend. There may be the beam of good-will in the eye. This lightens the countenance and prevents an impression of indifference.