George Washington's Rules of Civility

He wrote this before age 16!

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

When you're not alone, show some common courtesy for the people you are with, look at them, don't be aloof, even a simple glance or smile can be a show of decency, but to blow someone off or dis them by not acknowledging them is simply rude.

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

When other people are around, don't be touching or grabbing yourself anywhere private; picking your nose, scratching your privates, pulling out a wedgie, these kinds of things.

3rd Shew Nothing to your Freind that may affright him.

Don't just try to be dramatic and flaunt something like a bleeding scar or an injury, it's distasteful.

4th In the Presence of Others Sing not to yourself with a humming Noise, nor Drum with your Fingers or Feet.

You don't have to be the center of attention all the time, sometimes it's best to be still.

5th If You Cough, Sneeze, Sigh, or Yawn, do it not Loud but Privately; and Speak not in your Yawning, but put Your handkerchief or Hand before your face and turn aside.

It’s rude and unrefined to cough, belch, sneeze and yawn in front of other people. Show some decency, restrain if possible, or at least turn away.

6th Sleep not when others Speak, Sit not when others stand, Speak not when you Should hold your Peace, walk not on when others Stop.

Don’t snooze or even look drowsy when you are a member of an audience of any kind. If there is only one chair and a woman, or older person is there, let them have the seat. If you are on a train or bus and you are sitting and a woman or older person boards, get up and offer them the seat, but don’t knock over other people to do it. Don’t chat just to hear your teeth chip, consider that reasoned thoughtful and considerate speech is often best and many times just shutting up is a good idea too. If you are walking along with someone or a group and part of your group stops don’t just plow ahead, if they stumble, help them, even if they are capable.