10 Outdated Etiquette Rules from the Past
These 10 once-important social rules have faded over time, proving that etiquette evolves with society.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Manners and social expectations change with each generation, leaving behind customs that now seem impractical or even bizarre. Many etiquettes from the past dictated everything from how people dressed to how they spoke, but most of them have little relevance today. Here are 10 outdated etiquette rules that have largely disappeared from modern life.
1. Always Wearing Gloves in Public
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Wearing gloves was a sign of sophistication and respectability for much of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Women and men were expected to keep their hands covered outside the home.
2. Standing When a Lady Enters the Room
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Once considered a sign of respect, men were expected to rise from their seats whenever a woman entered. While this rule was meant to display good manners, it eventually became outdated as gender norms evolved.
3. Addressing People by Their Last Name Only
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Calling someone “Mr. Smith” or “Miss Johnson” was once the default, especially in professional or social settings. Using first names was considered too informal unless permission was given.
4. Writing Handwritten Thank-You Notes for Everything
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In the past, etiquette demanded handwritten notes for nearly every gift, invitation, or kind gesture. While thank-you notes are still appreciated for formal occasions, emails and texts have largely replaced this tradition.
5. Waiting for the Man to Order for the Woman
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Dining etiquette once dictated that men should order food for their female companions, as it was seen as a gentlemanly duty. This practice is now considered outdated and even condescending.
6. Never Speaking Until Introduced
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At formal gatherings, guests were expected to remain silent until the host introduced them properly. Speaking out of turn was considered rude, no matter how eager someone was to join the conversation.
7. Using Multiple Utensils for Every Course
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Formal dining once required an overwhelming number of forks, knives, and spoons for different courses. Guests had to navigate strict rules about which utensils to use and when.
8. Women Only Wearing Dresses in Public
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For decades, it was considered inappropriate for women to wear pants outside their homes. Skirts and dresses were the expected norm, with pants only becoming widely accepted in the mid-20th century.
9. Bowing and Curtsying in Everyday Life
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A formal bow or curtsy was once a required greeting in aristocratic and high-society circles. These gestures signified respect and social rank but disappeared outside royal traditions.
10. Not Talking About Money Under Any Circumstances
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Discussing finances, salaries, or even prices of goods was once considered highly improper. While money can still be a sensitive topic, modern attitudes have shifted toward openness, especially regarding fair wages and financial literacy.