Cheap formal wear?

[JakobT]

I've read this thread with some interest, and it seems to me that what is being discussed is etiquette on one hand, and manners on the other, and sometimes the two are confused. In this connection, I'd like to share with you all a quote from Quentin Crisp's excellent book "Manners From Heaven":

"Etiquette...is a form of exclusion, a system designed to make people (especially those not of one's "class") feel ill at ease and out of place. Manners, on the other hand...are a technique of inclusion, a way of ensuring that in our company no one will ever be made to feel that he is a outcast by reason of his birth, education or occupation. To drink from your fingerbowl may be a breach of etiquette, but if a host, seeing his guest make this mistake, did the same, it would be a sign of good manners."

[kiltedcarpenter]

I've read this thread with some interest, and it seems to me that what is being discussed is etiquette on one hand, and manners on the other, and sometimes the two are confused. In this connection, I'd like to share with you all a quote from Quentin Crisp's excellent book "Manners From Heaven":

"Etiquette...is a form of exclusion, a system designed to make people (especially those not of one's "class") feel ill at ease and out of place. Manners, on the other hand...are a technique of inclusion, a way of ensuring that in our company no one will ever be made to feel that he is a outcast by reason of his birth, education or occupation. To drink from your fingerbowl may be a breach of etiquette, but if a host, seeing his guest make this mistake, did the same, it would be a sign of good manners."

Thank you for your comments! I found this after I wrote my previous post.Again I say,forgive me if I sound angry, but I have had my fill of "people" judging me because I dont have manicured fingernails.....

JakobT Thank you for this clarification and I hope others will take it to heart before they judge!