George Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior

When George Washington was sixteen he copied out by hand 110 rules of behavior as part of a penmanship exercise assigned to him by his schoolmaster. I think the rules are very interesting and show how people ought to show respect and kindness to one another.
Here are the first six:(my notes are in parenthesis)

The Rules:

1. Every action done in company, ought to be with some sign of respect, to those that are present.( In other words, treat those that you are around with respect.)
2. When in company, put not your hands to any part of the body, not usually discovered.
3. Show nothing to your friend that might affright them.(Do not embarrass them.)
4. In the presence of others sing not to yourself with a humming noise, nor drum with your fingers or feet.(I am guilty of drumming my fingers.)
5. If you cough, sneeze, or yawn, do it not loud but privately; and speak not in your yawning, but put your handkerchief or hand before your face and turn aside,
6. Sleep not when others speak, sit not when others stand, speak not when you should hold your peace, walk not when others stop.

The rest of the 110 rules can be found at this website.

~Faith

Happy New Year!!!!!