One should never forget that it is difficult, almost impossible, for some people to remember names and faces, and that such people actually suffer from their inability to recognize and call by name persons to whom they may have been introduced recently.
It is not uncommon to see one approach such a person, offer her hand, and say, if there is not an immediate recognition, “I am afraid you do not remember me,” while the person approached stands in agony, and gradually makes an apology for her poor memory, and asks the name.
One who is truly polite, who is at all thoughtful for another person’s feelings, would not be the cause of such a scene. She would prevent it by saying: “I am Mrs. Smith. I had the pleasure of meeting you at Mrs. Brown’s luncheon last Thursday;” or something of the kind.
Whenever one has reason to think his name or face may have been forgotten, he should make himself known, in approaching another person, by giving his name at least.
CALLS.
A first call ought to be returned within a very short time.
A lady when receiving rises as her callers enter, and they immediately advance to pay their respects to her before speaking to others.
A man takes any vacant chair, without troubling the hostess to look after him.
A man rises when women with whom he is talking rise to take their leave. Women calling do not rise unless those who are leaving are friends older than themselves.
When taking leave, one ought to choose a moment when there is a lull in the conversation, and then take leave of the hostess, letting one bow include the others in the room.