Can You Pass This Proper Etiquette Quiz?

By: Jennifer Post
Estimated Completion Time
6 min
Can You Pass This Proper Etiquette Quiz?
Image: Daxus / E+ / Getty Images

About This Quiz

Not every aspect of etiquette is drawn out and complicated like the proper way to address someone on an invitation or how long you should wait to get up after the hostess has left the dinner table. There are simple things, like which hand you cough into, that are considered rules of etiquette too, and it's more than just good manners. But a lot of these rules are rooted in a time when achieving social standing was the most important thing, coming out to society at a debutante ball and holding garden parties in your spacious backyard were the norm. But as the times change, so should etiquette rules. 

While the rules have not officially changed, there are some things that have taken on a more lenient meaning or have become irrelevant altogether. However, it's still fun to know these rules, and important in case you find yourself marrying into a family that is of old money and old society. There are rules about writing invitations, responding to invitations, chaperoning a ball and even hosting guests in your country home. These might not apply to you directly, but knowing them will definitely be a good conversation starter. Can you pass this etiquette quiz? Take it now to find out!

When walking on the sidewalk with a lady, where should a gentleman always be situated?
On the good side of the lady
Curb side
A few steps in front of the lady
Farthest away from the street
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

No matter if a gentleman is walking with one or two ladies, he is to always stand closest to the curb. He is to never sandwich himself in between the two ladies. Standing closest to the street protects the ladies from traffic mishaps.

Advertisement

What is the telltale sign of a female social climber?
Many marriages
Repetitive name dropping
Shopping off the rack
Driving a lease
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If a woman makes a point to talk about all of the prominent people, especially men, that she knows, it's because it took her a lot of effort to get to know them, something someone already in society wouldn't have to do.

Advertisement

In a group of people, if you are trying to indicate a specific person to someone else, what's the appropriate way to do that?
Point
Open-handed gesture
Yell their name.
Show them a photo.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You can certainly point at things, but you must never point at people. It gives the impression that they are being talked about, and people usually assume it's in a negative way. Gesturing with an open palm is more welcoming and positive in nature.

Advertisement

In this day and age, is it OK to have your phone on the table during a dinner?
If you're with close friends
If you're eating at home
No
It certainly is.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Having your phone out on the table, even in this age where people are addicted to their phones, shows that you care more about what's happening in your phone than the present company and the dinner.

Advertisement

When visiting someone, is it imperative that you call them first?
You can just show up.
There's no etiquette rule on that.
Not if you know they're home
You bet.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

People like to be prepared for people to come over. You wouldn't want someone to just show up while you still had your curlers in, now would you? Give the person a chance to get presentable.

Advertisement

Is it OK for a gentleman to borrow money from a woman?
Never
Sure
Only if the woman is his wife
Only if the woman is his mother
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It is very straightforward that it is never OK for a gentleman, or a man who aspires to be one, to borrow money from a lady. For that matter, he really shouldn't even borrow money from another man.

Advertisement

How long should dinner guests wait before responding to a formal invitation?
They should respond immediately.
A few days
A week
Less than five days is rude.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Engraved or written invitations must be answered and put back in the mail immediately, but if it was a telephone invite, the call must be returned right away. Don't expect to get out of it, either. Only death, serious illness or an extremely unforeseen accident will excuse you.

Advertisement

If at a restaurant or formal dinner gathering, when is it appropriate for guests to start eating?
When the host has been served
When everyone has been served
When their food arrives
After the prayer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This is something that most people still do but maybe didn't know it is deeply rooted in etiquette. It is not proper to start eating until everyone has been served their food, even in a passed dish or family-style type of dinner.

Advertisement

Are candles appropriate on the table for a luncheon like they are for a dinner?
Only if they're unscented
No
Yes, but only one
If the hostess chooses to have them
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A luncheon is a much more casual event than a dinner. The whole point of candles is to bring light to the room and table when there is no daylight. But since luncheons are during the day, that renders candles useless.

Advertisement

When getting into the limo, if you're the boss, where should you sit?
Back right
Middle
Facing the window
I'm the boss, I sit wherever I want.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The back and farthest right seat in a limo is considered the "power seat." The next person in power line claims the back left seat, and the most junior in power gets the middle. Maybe it's a safety thing, or maybe that seat is just the furthest away from everything else going on.

Advertisement

How can a stranger to the community acquire social standing?
Go wherever their spouse goes
Attending fancy parties
Going to the hottest restaurants
Getting an invitation to someone's home
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Joining things like the church or local club is a great way to meet other ladies, but no one will secure status without being invited places. Once a lady secures that first invitation, that could be the start of her standing in society.

Advertisement

Can men smoke whenever they want?
Only if they're smoking cigars
Only outdoors
Yes, they can.
Absolutely not
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If there are no ladies present, there aren't many rules about smoking other than the laws. But, if there are ladies present, gentlemen must receive the permission of the ladies in order to smoke.

Advertisement

What should you do if you're walking with someone who runs into someone they know and greets them?
Greet them as well
Stay behind
Keep walking
Move the conversation along. You've got places to be.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It's just polite to greet the person your companion has greeted. Don't wait to be introduced, as that might never happen and then you look awkward just standing there not knowing who the person is.

Advertisement

If the family a bride is marrying into has social status, does that bride inherit that same status?
She has to earn it.
Only if her family has the same status
She does.
Only if she's a "stranger"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It is said that the social status of a bride's family or family in law is hers to take. Upon marriage, she will take on the social status of her new family as well as her own family. It is usual that nothing will really change for her, socially.

Advertisement

Is it appropriate for gentleman to wear his day clothes to dinner?
Yes, unless people are coming over
If he adds a coat
Never
Only if the dinner is in his home
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Even if there is no one coming to dinner, a gentleman is expected to change for the meal. However, he is not required to wear a tuxedo, but rather something more comfortable that he can also lounge in after dinner.

Advertisement

In letter writing, is using big words, wordy descriptions and flowery vocabulary a sign of elegance?
For certain occasions
Depends on who's writing it
Yes, it is.
No
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Writing a letter should portray simplicity and come from a natural place. If language is used that is not normal for the writer, it comes off as forced and like they're trying too hard to be something they're not.

Advertisement

Is it proper etiquette for a man to carry the handbag of the lady he is with?
Only when crossing the street
Only if her hands are busy with something else
Of course!
Nope
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It's actually not proper etiquette! A man can carry her coat and carry it to its holding place during an event, but according to etiquette, a man should never carry a woman's handbag.

Advertisement

If a dinner guest asks for the salt, must you pass the pepper as well?
Only send what they asked for
If you want to
Not unless they ask for it
Yes
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In etiquette rules, salt and pepper are like a couple; you should never send one without the other. Even if the person doesn't ask for it, chances are they'll end up wanting it, or someone near them will.

Advertisement

What is usually the first step in wedding preparations?
Seeing when the church is available
Throwing an engagement party
Finding the dress
Securing the wedding bands
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Before the couple can choose a date, the mother of the bride is to check with the church to see when the clergymen are not otherwise engaged and when the church isn't occupied with any other events.

Advertisement

How should one set the table for dinner when no guests are expected?
Everyday plates and flatware
The same as if guests were coming
It doesn't need to actually be set.
With just the basics
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Emily Post clearly states that whether or not guests are coming for dinner, the linens should be spotless, the silver should be at its most polished and the service must be impeccable. Each place setting should be set as well, even if people aren't sitting there.

Advertisement

At the dinner table, should you enter your chair from the left or the right?
Whichever side doesn't have another guest as to not disturb them
Right
Left
Doesn't matter as long as you pull your chair out far enough
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To enter your chair, you should do so from the left, but to exit your seat, doing so from the right is proper. There's no reason for this other than if everyone follows the same pattern, there won't be guests bumping into each other trying to sit down.

Advertisement

If a woman applies perfume, should she apply enough to make sure it can still be sensed in the evening?
She can reapply.
That's the idea.
Not at all
Only if she has an event that night
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Aside from just being common courtesy, a woman should never apply so much perfume that it can still be smelled into the evening. The appropriate amount will wear off sometime throughout the day.

Advertisement

What age group of people can be invited to a formal ball?
All ages
People in their 30s
Only those in their 40s
Only parents are allowed, minus their children.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The main difference between a ball and a dance is that people of all ages are welcomed at a ball, whereas at a dance it's usually only one age group of guests. A dance can also be held in someone's home, while a ball is almost always held elsewhere due to the sheer number of guests.

Advertisement

What's the proper way to move to your seat in a theater?
Just scooting by
Facing the other people sitting
With your back to the seat
Climbing over the seats
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When moving to your seat at the theater, you don't want your backside in the faces of the other seated guests. Hopefully they will stand up to let you by, but even then you should be facing them.

Advertisement

When you put your purse over your shoulder, which shoulder is the proper one to put it over?
Right
Left
Whichever one is comfortable
Etiquette dictates that it depends on the purse.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Since the right hand is considered the social hand, that extends to the shoulder as well. It's poor etiquette to have to switch sides when you go to greet someone, so always having your purse on your left shoulder is proper.

Advertisement

Would one hold an afternoon tea outdoors?
Not if they want to remain in high regard
Only if the weather is nice
Never
Absolutely
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Of course one would! An afternoon tea held outdoors is simply called a garden party. It can be as formal as a wedding reception or as casual as a sampling of finger sandwiches. It's really up to the host.

Advertisement

If you're looking to get into a sport but don't know much about it, is it appropriate to ask someone more advanced to play with you?
No
That's the best way to learn.
Only during the week
Depends on the sport
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This rule is to avoid the novice acting like they are somehow superior because they are playing with an expert. If the expert asks, the novice may accept as long as they maintain the attitude of a novice.

Advertisement

At a passed plate dinner party, which direction do the plates get passed?
There's no order.
Clockwise
Pass it to whoever wants it.
Counterclockwise
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The general rule of etiquette is that dishes get passed in a counterclockwise direction. The only exception to this is if someone in the other direction asks for something after everyone has gotten some. Then the dish can go right to them.

Advertisement

When a host's guests arrive for the weekend, how does he greet them?
Welcome them as they get out of their cars
Let them come to him
Shake each of their hands
He'll greet them at dinner.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

No matter how many guests are staying at your home for the weekend, as the host, you are to greet each one of them by shaking their hand and asking if they want to be shown to their room.

Advertisement

Are people who live out in the country burdened with hosting formal dinners?
They're no different than anyone else.
They are not.
They don't see it as a burden.
Only a couple times a year
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Emily Post said that formality and the country don't go together. Therefore, those who primarily reside in the country versus in the city are not obligated to throw formal dinner gatherings.

Advertisement

Which hand should you be coughing and sneezing into?
Left
Right
It doesn't matter.
Neither. You should do it into your elbow.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The right hand is considered the social hand, the one you'll be shaking hands and waving with. The left hand is considered the personal hand and the one you use for coughing, sneezing, scratching, etc.

Advertisement

How formal should christening invitations be?
There are no invitations.
The most formal of invitations
As formal as wedding invitations
Not formal at all
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Given that no one but family and extremely close friends are invited to the christening, the invitations are kept simple and casual stating the pertinent information of the time, place and if there's a luncheon to follow. A telephone call or verbal invitation is also acceptable.

Advertisement

In proper society, what is considered a weekend?
Friday evening to Sunday evening
Either Friday afternoon or Saturday lunch to Monday morning
Saturday morning to Sunday evening
Friday evening to Sunday morning
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This mostly applies to an occasion where you are hosting weekend guests at your home. That guest is to arrive either Friday afternoon or Saturday at lunch and is welcome and expected to stay through Monday morning.

Advertisement

Who is the best chaperone for a young girl?
Her grandmother
Her father
Her mother
Her own dignity and pride
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It might be an old-fashioned way of thinking, but in etiquette, a young girl's best chaperone is herself. She is the only one who can stop herself from doing things and treat herself with respect.

Advertisement

What are close family members and friends expected to do once they hear news of an engagement?
Congratulate the parents
Buy a gift
Call on the bride
Arrange a party
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The bride is not accepted into the groom's family until she receives their cards and notes telling her so. She is then expected to return the calls and notes as quickly as possible thanking everyone.

Advertisement

Are women expected to keep up with fashion trends?
In a way
Only in home decor
Not unless they want to
Absolutely
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

They are expected to know the latest styles, but they should only wear them if the style fits them and coordinates with their standing in society. It's better to wear something older that fits and flatters than something new that makes them look silly.

Advertisement

If someone is in your way, is it proper to say "excuse me"?
Within reason
Always
It's never proper.
Only if a lady says it
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It's important to be aware of your tone when saying "excuse me." It can come off very sarcastic, rude and patronizing if said in a certain way. It can also come off as very confrontational, so be aware.

Advertisement

What is a best man's first duty to his groom?
To throw the engagement party
Bachelor party
Packer and expressman
Valet
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Making sure that everything the groom will need for the wedding is organized, folded and packed is the first duty of the best man when it comes to wedding time. He's also responsible for loading the car or other means of transportation with the groom's bags.

Advertisement

Is a man always expected to open the door for others?
When he's courting someone, yes
Only if he's opening it for a lady
No
Yes
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Door opening actually doesn't depend on the gender, it depends on who gets to the door first. Normally, a gentleman will walk ahead of a lady so he can open the door for her, but it doesn't always have to be the man.

Advertisement

If you're the one inviting people to a restaurant, does that mean you have to pay?
It sure does.
Not necessarily
It's murky.
Only if the one inviting is a man
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It depends on how you word the invitation. If you literally say "I'm inviting you," then yes, you are expected to pay. But it if it's a more general, "Let's go out to eat," then everyone pays for themselves or figures out a payment situation.

Advertisement

You Got:
/40
Daxus / E+ / Getty Images