Have Codes of behavior have existed since the beginning of time and have regulated behavior in every culture. Most of today's formal etiquette originated in the French royal courts from 1600-1700. Standards of behavior were demanded of those who were in the presence of nobles, thus the word "courtesy" came about. A list of proper social behaviors was called an etiquette, meaning ticket. These were explicit rules of conduct for ladies and gentlemen of good breeding. Etiquette expanded to include numerous practices, many of which are viewed as foolish by today's standards. For example, in nineteenth century Victorian England: It was bad manners for a young man to speak to a young woman until she acknowledged him first. It was improper for an unmarried woman under thirty years of age to be in the company of a man without a chaperone. There were many rules for leaving calling cards. There was a steady coarsening of western society in the twentieth century, especially after 1960. By the end of the century society was more self-centered and less mannered despite being better educated and more conscious of civil rights. Many people wondered where civility had gone.

1. What’s Acceptable?
2. Being Courteous
3. Why Good Manners?
4. More Civilized?
5. Restaurant Etiquette
6. Dinner at Home
7. Which Fork Do I Use?
8. Finger or Fork?
9. Courtesy
10. Handshakes
11. May I Introduce…