George Washington… meet Emily Post

George Washington Meets Emily Post

When we think of George Washington, we often envision a stern and stoic figure who played a pivotal role in American history. However, buried within his "110 Rules for Civility and Decent Behavior" lies a gem of a rule that brings a touch of humor to the mix.

Well, when I decided I wanted to update George ’s 110 Rules of Civility I didn’t think that at number 2, I’d be looking at something so, well, yucky, but here it is…Rule #2:

Rule 2: "When in company, put not your hands to any part of the body not usually discovered."

OK, there it is so let's just dive into George Washington's second rule and explore its humorous side while still acknowledging its underlying message of respect and decorum.

A Bizarre Rule:

Ah, the second rule—George Washington's way of saying, "Keep your hands away from places they don't belong." It's hard not to chuckle at the mental image of Washington penning this rule, perhaps inspired by an unfortunate incident at a stuffy dinner party. It makes you wonder what kind of company he kept, where people felt the need to expose parts of their body that were better left concealed.

Situational Awkwardness:

Now, let's imagine a social gathering where people are so inclined to reveal their unmentionables that Washington felt compelled to create a rule to address it. Can you picture the scene? A group of genteel ladies and gentlemen engaging in polite conversation, all the while trying their best to resist the temptation to explore the depths of their nether regions. The struggle is real, my friends.

The Dilemma of Itching:

But what about those pesky itches that always seem to strike at the most inconvenient moments? Washington's rule doesn't consider the occasional need to scratch an itch discreetly. Can you envision the contorted faces of individuals desperately trying to suppress the urge while maintaining a composed demeanor? It's a silent battle of willpower against the unrelenting itch, where the itch usually wins.

An Anecdote for the Ages:

Imagine a mischievous guest at a formal dinner who decides to test the boundaries of Washington's rule. With a sly grin, they proceed to theatrically scratch their backside, making sure every eye in the room is on them. The awkward silence that follows is broken only by the sound of a cough or a nervous giggle, as everyone tries to pretend, they didn't witness the forbidden act.

The Modern Interpretation:

Perhaps a more modern interpretation can involve the simple act of sneezing. Well, I guess we can be grateful for the CDC’s response to the COVID 19 pandemic, (at least when it comes to sneezing), they got those rules out quickly. As we learned, when it comes to covering up a sneeze in public, it is important to follow good hygiene practices to minimize the spread of germs by sneezing into your elbow: Emily Post says…“If you don't have a tissue handy, use the inside of your elbow to cover your nose and mouth while sneezing. This method helps prevent the droplets from dispersing into the air and contaminating surfaces that you may come into contact with”.

I’ve had friends who have done this for decades, and I always thought that their mothers had no idea who Emily Post was. I was from the palm of my hand school of sneezing, but I must admit, post sneeze what do you now do with your hand!

 In today's world, where social norms have evolved, we interpret Washington's rule in a slightly different light. If you go to the beach, a park or any public gathering place the term “any part of the body not usually discovered” is almost a moot point. Women during Washington’s time, at the Jersey Shore, most like had only their face hands and (maybe) their feet showing while men could show their face hands feet shoulders and even below their knees…today many (if not most) have less than 10% of their body covered! Very little is left “undiscovered”.

Before I prattle on as a Boomer whose sisters had to fight with Mom for the right to wear a “two piece”(not a bikini), I am reminded that Washington was merely trying to remind all  to respect personal boundaries and exercise decorum in public settings. We can only wish that our modern society didn’t require such explicit rules to prevent public displays of, shall we say, questionable behavior.

George Washington's second rule adds a delightful touch of humor to his "110 Rules for Civility and Decent Behavior." While we may find amusement in the absurdity of a rule cautioning against improper public itching and scratching, (and sneezing), the underlying message of respect and decorum remains essential. Let's embrace the humorous side of history while still appreciating the wisdom that lies beneath it. And remember, the next time you find yourself in polite company, keep your hands away from places they don't usually belong!