General Manners: Feign Delight

Suburban Chicago, July 1962. There's a box from Madigan's, so it looks like someone brought a gift of clothing to my birthday party.

General Manners: Allow guests to blow out the candles.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada, January 1957. One should behave when the Moms are watching.

Thanks to my Toronto Cousin for making this photo available to us.

General Manners: Follow directions.

Suburban Chicago, April 1961. My babysitter offers behavioral tips during a children's party.

General Manners: Share someone else's joy.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada, about 1953. My Toronto Cousin is delighted as her Dad, Kadis, helps his Goddaughter celebrate a birthday.

Thanks to my Toronto Cousin for making this photo available to us.

General Manners: Don't chase dogs.

Suburban Chicago, April 1961. Mikey's not interested in the chase.

General Manners: Wait patiently for a slice of cake.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada, January 1957. The well mannered children understand the rules.

Thanks to my Toronto Cousin for making this photo available to us.

General Manners: Make new friends graciously.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada, about 1953. Kadis introduces his daughter—my Toronto Cousin—to his Goddaughter.

Thanks to my Toronto Cousin for making this photo available to us.

General Manners: Listen to the jokes your guests tell.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada, January 1962. My Toronto Cousin pauses during the party.

Thanks to my Toronto Cousin for making this photo available to us.

General Manners: Be firm.

Suburban Chicago, November 1971. It's dinner time, and Gigi is mooching again.

General Manners: When guests dine, stay under the table.

Toronto, Ontario, December 1959. My Dad's twin, Jonė—on the left—joins a holiday gathering.
 
Thanks to Jonė's daughter—my Toronto Cousin—for making this photo available to us.

General Manners: Learn to ignore the camera.

Suburban Chicago, January 1961. I am not yet accustomed to living with a shutterbug.

General Manners: If you're overstimulated, then step away and rest.

Niagara Falls, New York, July 1963. Mom and I take a break from visiting the falls.

General Manners: Be patient when you're waiting for guests to arrive.

Suburban Chicago, Spring 1965. Perhaps I know the guests will bring a surprise for me.

General Manners: Look like you're having fun, even if you're afraid.

Melrose Park, Illinois, August 1962. The "helicopter" at Kiddieland was a daring ride for me.

General Manners: Stay within the fenced area.

Suburban Chicago, April 1960. The gate is closed, so it's not likely I'll wander out of the yard.

General Manners: Look happy when someone picks you up.

 

Wasaga Beach, Ontario, Canada, July 1960. It's my first vacation, and I haven't yet learned to look happy for the ubiquitous camera.

General Manners: Be patient.

Suburban Chicago, May 1961. Dad has been snapping photos during my solo performance, but I've grown weary of the session.

General Manners: If you attend a party, then look like you're having fun.

Suburban Chicago, July 1963. I'm enjoying my birthday party, and it looks like most of my friends are, too. (Today's not my birthday; I'm just posting a birthday-party photo.)

General Manners: Pause before you "finger wag."

Suburban Chicago, April 1961. I hold back my finger wag because Dad is taking a picture of me and my babysitter.

(Did you think I had forgotten about the "General Manners" series?)

General Manners: Try to look like you're having fun.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan, July 1961. Mom's taking a nap, and I seem disinterested in playing on the beach. I'm wearing the pink, satin tiara that was my most memorable keepsake of the vacation.