by Ginger Philbrick
My husband and I were on the café deck of the Long Island Ferry when we had the pleasure of meeting two very charming travelers, both males. One of them was especially noticeable because of his commanding stature and striking countenance. Although his companion, who was older, was attractive also, it was he whom one noticed first.
As the two were passing us, our eyes met and we spoke. We learned right away that the first one was English and, I thought, actually resembled Sir Winston Churchill. His companion was an American-born New Yorker.
The four of us connected very quickly and I write of this here because of the impeccably good manners of our new British acquaintance. During our conversation he modeled perfect conversational etiquette.
Let me expound a bit:
• He maintained eye contact with the speaker.
• He didn’t interrupt, but he spoke when spoken to, keeping up with his end of the conversation.
• He expressed interest in what was being said but did not monopolize the conversation.
• He kept an alert countenance.
• Although much of the conversation focused on him and his interesting blue blood heritage (which his companion relayed), he maintained an appearance of modesty and listened quietly.
Too soon it was time for us to disembark. As we said our farewells, I couldn’t help but express my affection for him with a pat on his head and a gentle rub behind his ear. With that, and his response of a sloppy lick on my hand, Bruno the English Bulldog waddled off to no doubt meet yet another adoring stranger.
I just love all the different places and creatures in which we still find good manners!
Ginger Philbrick is the owner of Because You Are Polite LLC. You are invited to email your manners questions to her and she will respond as time and space allow. You may contact her at [email protected].
