Etiquette of the visiting girl

• To be a pleasant guest means that one must efface one’s self and that no complaints must be uttered. If the hostess’ children are sick, the popular girl must bear her share of the trouble.

• She must consent to forego the good times, the beaux and the parties. If the hostess is tired, the guest must be satisfied with a very quiet life, and not be in the way too much.

• Do not ask to phone for other people to come to the dinner

• Always be interested in the planned gaieties of the evening

• Do not make your own engagements regardless of the hostess’ plans.

• If you are visiting a busy woman, retire to your room during her most occupied hours, so that she will not constantly be reminded by your presence that she must perforce neglect you.

• Be nice to the children of the house and help in little unobtrusive ways to show that you are interested.

• Do not seem to be bored during a quiet evening; you cannot always expect to be amused.

• Be pleasant to all in the house, no matter what their position may be

• Always be on time to meals and do not appear at breakfast wearing anything but the proper costume for the occasion.

• If you are visiting in a house where there is but one bathroom, be very careful that you do not immobilize it.

• Do not interfere in any way with the family routine.

• It is perfectly permissible to ask for whatever you require – towels, soap and such things and you may feel sufficiently at home to use whatever is laid out for use, but do not be wilfully extravagant with anything.

• Never demand the services of a maid

• Be bright and jolly with everyone, and do not intrude your ailments or moods upon them

• Guests are invited for the pleasure of the family you are visiting as well as for your own.

• If there are older people in the house, be deferential and see that they are always comfortable.

• Do not be too proud or bashful to offer to run errands for any one.

• Take your own place in the family circle and make that places such a happy one, that everyone is glad to have you occupy it.

• If you play or sing, do not always be showing of your talent; but on the other hand, never refuse to comply with any request your hostess may make.

• Do not wear out your welcome. Should you be invited for a few days take it for granted that three days is the time meant and even though your hostess asks you to stay longer be very sure that you are wanted before you accept. Remember, if you have not paid a long enough visit you will be asked again. A guest who is asked to stay a week should leave at the end of that time. A week does not mean ten days.

• Let your baggage be as little trouble as possible.

• When you have gone home, never neglect to write a note to your hostess, thanking her for her kindness and for the pleasant time you have had. This should be sent within two days.