Rules of Civility: No. 32

​When George Washington was about 16 years old, he set about to copy 110 Rules of Civility from a school book.  The exercise was intended to improve his penmanship while at the same time develop his character.  While some of the Rules are obsolete, a few of them are quite relevant today.

To one that is your equal, or not much inferior

you are to give the cheif Place in your Lodging

and he to who 'tis offered ought at the first

to refuse it but at the Second to accept

​though not without acknowledging

​his own unworthiness.

​Rule 32 makes us appreciate appreciation:

• Always show appreciation for the act of giving.
• Say thank you immediately upon being given something by another person.
• Offer your seat to a visitor to our room.
• Treat others the way you wish to be treated.
• Accept thank yous with grace, returning with a mannerly You're welcome.  No problem, You bet, and Yeah is not an acceptable reply.
• Be humble.