Nothing is as inimical to passion as the slow, sensible weighing of practicalities. - Judith Martin

It is wrong to wear diamonds before luncheon, except on one’s marriage rings. Before, after, and during breakfast, luncheon and dinner, it is vulgar to wear a mixture of colored precious stones. It is always a comfort to know that so many things one can’t afford to do anyway are vulgar.

If you can’t be kind, at least be vague.”

Miss Manners hereby absolves everyone from feeling any embarrassment deliberately imposed by others.