Quotes About Politeness

She had never liked people who spoke too familiarly upon first meeting. There ought to be a little bit more formality.

He shows no anger, I show no anger but in flashes of humor, all is courtesy and horror.

His mother had often told Lock that he was much too polite to ever be a true intellectual.

I don't waste time in flowery small talk, as people do in India.

I'm not so sure it's so civilized to be civilized all the time.

Miss Tallant, I perceive that it is useless to try to make polite small talk with you. I shall get immediately to the point. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Henry's jaw dropped. Miss Tallant? Your wife? she asked faintly. Yes, my wife. I have taken you by surprise, I see. I mistakenly thought you had more fortitude, ma'am. Should I have paved the way more carefully by falling on my knees in front of you and declaring undying love and devotion? I can still do so, if you wish.

And what may I do for you?" Jane had intended to try to draw her away to the refreshment room, but it seemed they were

I pride myself on always displaying impeccable manners.

He would not have raised an eyebrow and smiled behind his eyes at a lady whose bed he had climbed into by mistake one night. He would have done the gentlemanly thing and died of mortification.

I shall surprise you and behave like a perfect gentleman.

He bowed to show his respect. "Thank you," said Jack and Annie. They bowed back to him.

Thanks," said Annie. "Thanks," said Jack.

It was over, the awkward moment, the dreaded moment, sliding past in a ripple of commonplaces, the easy mechanical politenesses that are so much more than empty convention; they are the greaves and cuirasses that arm the naked nerve.

If it's a woman and you're attracted to her, be in the present moment and be curious about what she's doing or what she's drinking. Keep the conversation polite, because women are wary of strangers talking to them. Keep it nice and friendly. Women don't want to be pulled into a conversation they don't want to have. If

The lesson of this study is that, on the whole, having to deal with strangers teaches you to be polite to them, and that in order for such generosity to emerge, costly punishment of selfishness may be necessary.

She said it quite correctly; there was nothing offensive in the quiet politeness of her voice; but following his high note of enthusiasm, her voice struck a tone that seemed flat and deadly in its indifference—as if the two sounds mingled into an audible counterpoint around the melodic thread of her contempt.

People were satisfied so long as you were courteous and smiled and made no sudden moves.

Aren't you going to invite me in? No. You aren't very polite. That is a virtue I am seldom accused of possessing. Don't sulk, Cousin, it spoils the shape of that charming mouth.

Foreigners who think of Japan as a polite society have never ridden the Yamanote at rush hour. The

Lateness is rude.

Curious how Love destroys every vestige of that politeness which the human race, in its years of evolution, has so painfully acquired.

I love an old-school gentleman. Picking me up for dates, sending flowers, holding the door open, I love it all.

Een misplaatst gevoel voor goede smaak weerhield hem ervan te zeggen dat hij haar had gemist en haar zou blijven missen. Maar er waren momenten dat de goede smaak maar even de andere kant op moest kijken. 'Ik jou ook,' antwoordde Lizzie.

Order is the public façade we're called upon to wear, the politeness of a gathering of civilized strangers, and the thin ice on which we all skate.