An Example of the Etiquette Pages:

"We go right on using the old forms of introduction in spite of the fact that practically no one bothers to listen to a name when introduced. The first name mentioned is determined by the sex, age, or importance of the person, the theory being that the smaller fry is presented to the greater. If you must be formal, you may say: “Mrs. Stone, may I present Mr. Flint?” But the more current form is merely: Mrs. Stone-Mr.Flint.” Your own friends are just “Mary Vernon” or “Jack Hill” when you are introducing then to your parents. “How do you do?” in a way of acknowledgement is sufficient for any occasion. “Charmed,” “Pleased to meet you,” and similar remarks are terrible-never to be used under any circumstances."

"In preliminary conversation the trivial should be selected rather than the profound. As a brilliant authority has pointed out, the lady to whom one has just been introduced is more likely to be set at her ease by the inquiry “Do you like string?” than by asking her “Do you love God?”

"When it comes to the greatest adornment of conversation – wit – you are either born with it or not, just as you are born a boy or a girl. One cannot cultivate wit, but of course one can cultivate an appreciation of it. And anybody who can quote at the appropriate moment the witty things he has heard other people say, is an addition to any social circle"