George Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior

A few months ago, I picked up a copy of George Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior. The book is a collection of 110 rules George Washington copied by hand as part of a penmanship lesson when he was sixteen years old. Based on rules composed by French Jesuits in 1595, the rules were later translated to English in 1640 by twelve year old Francis Hawkins. Many of the rules seem outdated and silly, but they reflect a culture that is growing more careless and self centered. Basically the rules are small sacrifices we all should be making in order to live with others in a more peaceful and graceful world. They're basic considerations and should be at the core of our values.

I will take a few rules every post and dissect them giving examples to support why these fundamental considerations are a must to practice.

1. Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.

2. When in Company, put not your Hands to any Part of the Body, not usually Discovered.

Here's the thing, if you're out on the town perhaps at a fundraiser or a social event the last thing you want to do is offend someone. Be respectful to your hosts, other guests, service staff...EVERYONE. Don't make a scene or become loud and rambunctious. Do the right thing, if you can't behave...stay home! This goes for dining out, too. There is nothing worse than a loud, obnoxious diner...if you can't hear the music...you're too loud! Secondly, don't grab yourself or adjust yourself unless you are alone...if your shorts or bra straps are in a bunch, excuse yourself and retire to the facilities. Make no mistake, grabbing yourself in public is offensive.

Respect others...RESPECT YOURSELF!!!