18 Etiquette Rules From the Past That Would Completely Confuse Us Today
Etiquette has always played a big role in shaping social interactions, but the rules of politeness aren’t set in stone. What was once considered proper behavior can now seem strange or even absurd.
From rules about clothing to how people interacted, many old customs would leave us scratching our heads today. These forgotten manners give us a glimpse into the values and priorities of past societies, but they also highlight how much the world has changed.
Here are 18 etiquette rules from the past that would completely baffle us now.
Bowing to Greet Someone
In past centuries, bowing or curtsying was a standard way to greet someone, especially of higher status. A handshake or a simple “hello” wouldn’t suffice. The angle of the bow or depth of the curtsy even reflected the level of respect being shown.
Today, this would feel incredibly formal and awkward in everyday life, leaving us wondering why we couldn’t just wave instead.
Wearing Gloves for Every Occasion
Gloves were once essential for maintaining social decorum. Whether at dinner parties, outdoor events, or church, bare hands were often considered inappropriate.
A proper gentleman or lady wouldn’t dream of shaking hands or touching shared objects without them. Nowadays, gloves are more about function than form, making this old rule feel overly fussy.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Standing Up When a Woman Enters
In the past, men were expected to rise from their seats whenever a woman entered the room, as a sign of respect. This act of chivalry was seen as the height of politeness.
Today, such a gesture might be misinterpreted as outdated or unnecessary, leaving both parties feeling uncomfortable or confused.
Avoiding First Names in Conversation
Using someone’s first name without permission was considered a serious breach of etiquette. Instead, people addressed each other by titles and last names, even among friends or family acquaintances.
While formal titles are still used in certain settings, the casual nature of modern conversations makes this rule feel stiff and overly distant.
Refusing to Show Emotions in Public
In the Victorian era, it was frowned upon to display strong emotions, whether joy or sadness, in public settings. People were expected to remain composed and dignified at all times.
Modern society encourages authenticity and emotional openness, making this old rule seem repressive and unnatural.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Always Leaving Calling Cards
Visiting someone’s home without leaving a calling card was unthinkable in the 18th and 19th centuries. These small, decorative cards served as both an introduction and a way to politely announce your visit.
With today’s texting and instant communication, the idea of carrying around a stack of personalized cards seems downright peculiar.
Dressing for Dinner Every Night
Dinnertime used to be a formal affair, even at home. Families would change into evening attire before sitting down for a meal.
This was seen as a way to show respect for the occasion. Today, with casual dining and takeout being the norm, the thought of dressing up just to eat at home feels unnecessary and out of touch.
Refusing to Speak While Eating
Talking during meals was considered impolite in many cultures throughout history. Silence at the table was a sign of good manners, especially in formal settings.
Modern mealtime conversations, often lively and engaging, would clash with this rigid rule, leaving us wondering how people bonded over meals.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Men Walking on the Street Side of a Sidewalk
It was once standard for men to walk on the street side of the sidewalk when escorting a woman. This was to protect her from splashes of mud or other hazards from passing carriages.
While the reasoning was practical at the time, the custom feels unnecessary in the age of clean sidewalks and modern infrastructure.
Sitting Perfectly Still in Public
It was considered rude to fidget, adjust your seating, or even cross your legs while in public, especially for women. Movement was seen as distracting and unladylike.
Today, we prioritize comfort and individuality over such strictures, making this old rule seem overly rigid and even uncomfortable.
Writing Thank-You Notes for Every Interaction
Every gift, visit, or favor required a handwritten thank-you note. Forgetting to send one was viewed as a major social faux pas.
While thank-you notes are still appreciated, the expectation for constant written correspondence has faded in favor of quicker, digital expressions of gratitude.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Never Turning Your Back on Someone
Turning your back on someone, even accidentally, was a major breach of etiquette in earlier times. It signaled disrespect or indifference, especially in formal settings.
While modern society values politeness, we no longer view such actions with the same level of severity, making this rule seem overly strict.
Women Not Initiating Conversations
Historically, women were often expected to wait for men to initiate conversation, even in casual settings. Starting a discussion was seen as overly forward and inappropriate.
This outdated rule clashes with today’s emphasis on equality and mutual respect in communication.
Refusing to Eat in Public
For centuries, eating in public spaces was considered improper, especially for women. Meals were meant to be private affairs, shared within the home or at formal gatherings.
With the rise of street food culture and on-the-go dining, this etiquette rule feels utterly baffling.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Avoiding Eye Contact
In some past cultures, direct eye contact was considered aggressive or disrespectful, particularly when addressing someone of higher social rank. Today, maintaining eye contact is seen as a sign of confidence and honesty, making this old rule feel entirely backward.
Covering Your Ankles
During the Victorian era, showing your ankles was scandalous, especially for women. Dresses and stockings were designed to ensure modesty at all times.
Modern fashion has shattered these taboos, making this rule seem absurd and even laughable to contemporary sensibilities.
Asking for Permission to Leave the Table
It used to be common for both children and adults to ask for permission before leaving the dining table, even at family meals. This was seen as a sign of respect to the host. Today, mealtime manners are far more relaxed, and the idea of needing permission to excuse yourself feels overly formal.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Addressing Everyone as “Sir” or “Madam”
Formal modes of address were once the default, even for casual interactions. Calling someone by their first name without a title was unthinkable.
While respectful language is still valued, the rigidity of always saying “Sir” or “Madam” has given way to friendlier, more casual exchanges, making this old rule feel stifling.
More from IEPMommy
- Younger Workers Refuse to Follow These 15 Outdated Office Rules
- Stop Saying These 18 Overused Phrases That Drive People Up the Wall
- The Harsh Realities Boomers Lived That Millennials Didn’t Have to Face
- 17 Things Kids Had to Follow in the 70s That Sound Unreal Today
- 19 Old-Fashioned Beliefs That Boomers Cling to but Are Harmful Today
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
