'Honesty' in social life is often used as a cover for rudeness. But there is quite a difference between being candid in what you're talking about, and people voicing their insulting opinions under the name of honesty.

When virtues are pointed out first, flaws seem less insurmountable.

Adorable children are considered to be the general property of the human race. Rude children belong to their mothers.

A small wedding is not necessarily one to which very few people are invited. It is one to which the person you are addressing is not invited.

everyone old enough to have a secret is entitled to have some place to keep it.

Knowing that others have gone through similar tragedies may be a help, but it should be remembered that every tragedy is not only commonplace but also unique.

Meanwhile, the empty forms of social behavior survive inappropriately in business situations. We all know that when a business sends its customers 'friendly reminders,' it really means business.