Note.—These directions, although exceedingly important, are not, in many cases, agreeable topics of conversation. Therefore, in giving them, teachers must use their good taste and discretion in deciding whether to give arbitrarily or not. When they are given without comment they should be impressed on the memory of the child by calling for frequent repetitions of items, and by patient and continued enforcement of directions, whenever the occasion presents itself. The connection between the direction and the spirit of kindness should be traced whenever it is possible to do so. Lessons on manners in school may be taken as a guide when it is thought best to enlarge upon any item. Whether or not a lesson be given to the younger children on the importance of attending to personal habits may be left to the discretion of a teacher.

LESSON 7.

Purpose.—To show the necessity of attention to personal habits.

Method.—An item read with or without comment.

The Lesson.

Although personal habits are not pleasant topics of conversation, it seems necessary to give them some consideration. Many young people indulge in certain practices that are disagreeable and impolite, perhaps not so much from lack of knowledge of what is proper as from thoughtlessness and from not appreciating the importance of giving these matters due attention. Young people should realize that these matters, although seemingly trifling, are sufficient to show whether they have been accustomed to polite society or not. There is nothing which tells more quickly. Minute attention to personal habits gives one an air of refinement and attractiveness which can be gained in no other way.

Suggestions for Instruction Relating to Personal Habits.

1. Whatever has been said in reference to cleanliness in school applies out of school as well. Cleanliness is a pretty certain sign of good breeding. Every consideration of health and good taste and refinement urges to cleanliness. Never think to hide uncleanliness. If your habits are not neat, it will be known.

2. Never neglect the details of the toilet. Such toilet offices as cleaning the nails, the ears, the nose, are proper only in the privacy of one’s apartment. The nails should not be bitten. It destroys their beauty, and is an impolite and unhealthy habit.

3. Many people have a habit of continually feeling of the face or hair. This is not a mark of refinement of manners, and should not be indulged in. “Fussing” with anything, twirling things, drumming, should be avoided. When the hands are not necessarily employed, they should be kept quiet.

4. The feet should not be kept constantly and unnecessarily in motion, nor should they be brought into notice when possible to avoid it. Young ladies should not sit with the feet extended and crossed. No one should sit with the feet on the rounds of a chair. Tapping on the floor with the foot is not in good form.

5. Spitting is a disgusting habit. Avoid it whenever it is possible. Never give attention or refer to a sore on the face or hands when others are present. Yawning and stretching in company are considered rude. Hiccoughing and sneezing should be avoided, if possible.

6. The mouth should be kept closed, unless there is some good reason for opening it. One who has a habit of keeping the mouth open continually is considered weak mentally, if not physically.

7. Incessant smiling or laughing is silly and disagreeable. Smiling or laughing is allowable when there is something to laugh at. Giggling is unpardonable. Hearty laughter is allowable in some places, but boisterous laughter never. As a general thing the countenance should be kept in repose. This implies neither a silly nor a stern expression, but one indicative of kindness and common sense.

8. A loud or otherwise disagreeable voice is not a mark of the best manners. If such a voice is natural, it may be trained and toned down as in singing. A person of real refinement may have a peculiar voice, but not a disagreeably loud one. Humming is disagreeable and impolite.

9. Boys should not carry their hands in their pockets. Boys should not whistle when it will disturb or annoy any one.