No doubt, you've seen them: The mourner at the funeral, the church-goer at Sunday's service, the perky bank teller - all chomping away on a wad of gum! Emily Post once wrote, 'It is still impossible to imagine a lady walking on a city street and either chewing gum or smoking.' Imagine what she'd think today?
England's future queen, the newly-minted princess bride-to-be Kate Middleton's mother took some well-deserved heat a few years back for being photographed at Prince William's Sandurst graduation chewing gum. Sadly, it is an unattractive practice that has become so commonplace in today's society that many people aren't even aware that it is in poor taste and disrespectful.
If polite, civilized behavior is based on the tenet of respect, then how inconsiderate is it to worship in God's house, gather to witness a marriage, or conduct business while chewing like a cow? Not only is it rude, but it is a guaranteed impression-buster. If you're going to go to the trouble and expense of suiting up for an important or special occasion, why undo your efforts with gum-chewing? You might as well light up a cigarette and grab a flask while you're at it.
This nervous habit is not lady-like nor gentlemanly and is best left in the privacy of your own home. Because, it DOES 'Manner' a lot!
Excellent thoughts. It does cause pause in a public setting of how to freshen breath politely. Finding a proper medium is a challenge
ReplyDeleteApparently, the did not attend Catholic school, where you were smacked on the back of the head for chewing gum!
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