Greece is a good place for rebirths.

We are all born rude. No infant has ever appeared yet with the grace to understand how inconsiderate it is to disturb others in the middle of the night.

The rationale that etiquette should be eschewed because it fosters inequality does not ring true in a society that openly admits to a feverish interest in the comparative status-conveying qualities of sneakers. Manners are available to all, for free.

If you can't be kind, at least be vague.

the obligation to express gratitude deepens with procrastination. The longer you wait, the more effusive must be the thanks.

Learn graceful ways of saying no and of pointing out that this pressure to do something is not in line with most people's wishes.

. . . women were brought up to have only one set of manners. A woman was either a lady or she wasn't, and we all know what the latter meant. Not even momentary lapses were allowed; there is no female equivalent of the boys-will-be-boys concept.