Page:Book of Etiquette, Volume 1, by Lilian Eichler.djvu/310

280 Determine that you will no longer allow timidity and shyness to rule you. Assert yourself! And watch how your manners improve.

The country hostess must not feel that she is expected to entertain her guests in city fashion. There is a great deal of difference between the facilities and conditions of country and city life, and social activities are consequently different in both localities.

In the country there is much less mingling with strangers than there is in the city. Social entertainments are confined very largely to the home fireside. There are few clubs, few large halls and auditoriums. A feeling of intimacy and good-fellowship exists which is entirely lacking in large cities. Almost everybody knows everybody else, and when a large entertainment is given, the whole village knows about it.

To attempt to emulate her city sister would be folly for the country hostess. She hasn't the facilities nor the natural conditions conducive to the elaborate and strictly formal entertainments and activities of the city. In the country everything should be on a simpler, more informal basis; the natural beauties of the country are certainly not compatible with the fashionable and often ostentatious activities of the city.

We go to the country because we are tired of the town and we want rest, quiet, peace. We do not expect to find a frenzied attempt at imitation of city entertainments.