Why do the French ignore you when you sneeze? In this episode, we cross the Channel to explore the "Savoir-Vivre"—the sophisticated, sometimes baffling world of French manners.

From the official Republican protocol of Jacques Gandouin to the modern "self-care" approach of Le Petit Larousse, we’re deconstructing how a country that decapitated its monarchy managed to save its elegance.

In this episode:

• The Sneeze Paradox: Why acknowledging a bodily function is "indelicat."

• Tu vs. Vous: Navigating the linguistic minefield of respect.

• The Flower Faux Pas: Why you should never bring a bouquet to a dinner party.

• Republican Elegance: How the Revolution democratized courtesy for every citizen.

Part III of the "Art of Living Among Others" series. Hosted by Alexandra Poppy at theritualofreading.com

Is etiquette a tool for exclusion, or the secret to social harmony? Join me as we journey through 100 years of American and English manners—from the rigid social blueprints of the 1920s to the digital etiquette of today.In this episode of "The Art of Living Among Others" series, we dive into the fascinating evolution of British and American etiquette. We explore three iconic voices: the "architecture" of Emily Post, the "inner work" of Eleanor Roosevelt, and the witty, modern reclamation of manners by William Hanson. Whether you're curious about the history of social graces or looking for practical advice on navigating modern life, this deep dive reveals what courtesy actually says about the societies we build.What you’ll learn in this episode:- The surprising "scandalous" history of Emily Post and her vision of "Best Society."- Why Eleanor Roosevelt believed manners were a form of psychological character building.- How William Hanson (the "clinking glasses" guy) is making etiquette relevant for the Instagram age.- The key cultural differences between UK and US social standards.Connect with the Series: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a comment below! Do you think manners still matter, or are they a relic of the past?Read the full article series here: https://theritualofreading.com/modern-etiquette-and-literature/📚 The Reading List:Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics, and at Home by Emily PostBuy here : https://tidd.ly/3Mx4ob3 Book of Common Sense Etiquette by Eleanor RooseveltBuy here : https://tidd.ly/4klw0wgJust Good Manners: The Essential Modern Guide by William HansonBuy here : https://tidd.ly/4r58LckMy Policy on Affiliate Links : https://theritualofreading.com/affiliate-policy/CONNECT WITH MEWebsite: ⁠https://theritualofreading.com⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ritual_of_reading/⁠ Substack: ⁠https://theritualofreading.substack.com⁠ Pinterest: ⁠https://fr.pinterest.com/ritual_of_reading/⁠ SUPPORT MY WORKIf you value this free content, you can support me on Ko-Fi. Every contribution makes it possible to continue sharing these literary reflections.https://ko-fi.com/theritualofreading

In this February Literary Mood Board on The Ritual of Reading Podcast, I explore the art of good manners — not as a relic of the past, but as a foundation for modern freedom. Drawing on four books that shaped my thinking — The Downton Abbey Rules for Household Staff, Kazuo Ishiguro’s "The Remains of the Day", Baltasar Gracián’s "The Art of Worldly Wisdom" and Thackeray’s "Vanity Fair" — I reflect on how etiquette elevates character, cultivates dignity and shapes the way we inhabit the world together. From airport queues to quiet acts of consideration, this is a gentle manifesto for living with care, respect and humanity in our fractured age.READ ALONG WITH METhe Downton Abbey Rules for Household Staff : https://tidd.ly/49QcapoKazuo Ishiguro, "The Remains of the Day" : https://tidd.ly/45FyI9SBaltasar Gracián, "The Art of Worldly Wisdom" : https://tidd.ly/4aqHz1SWilliam Makepeace Thackeray, "Vanity Fair" : https://tidd.ly/3Mafu5wMy Policy on Affiliate Links : https://theritualofreading.com/affiliate-policy/CONNECT WITH MEWebsite: ⁠https://theritualofreading.com⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ritual_of_reading/⁠ Substack: ⁠https://theritualofreading.substack.com⁠ Pinterest: ⁠https://fr.pinterest.com/ritual_of_reading/⁠ SUPPORT MY WORKIf you value this free content, you can support me on Ko-Fi. Every contribution makes it possible to continue sharing these literary reflections.https://ko-fi.com/theritualofreading