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Chapter 46

HANDKERCHIEFS AND TISSUES

Wiping your nose on the back of your hand—or your shirt sleeve—is truly gross. That’s why handkerchiefs and tissues were invented—to catch all the stuff that comes out of your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.

You never know when you are going to sneeze—or when you are going to realize that something really unfortunate is hanging from your nose. That’s why a gentleman always has a handkerchief that is made of cloth, it can be washed and used again. That means, however, that a gentleman has to check his handkerchief every day, to make sure it isn’t so dirty that it needs to be replaced.

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YOU DO

Have your handkerchief or tissue ready when you feel a sneeze coming on.

YOU DON’T

Wait and hope that the urge to sneeze will go away—or that it will be a fairly dry one.

Why

Catching a sneeze early is better than cleaning up afterward.

YOU DO

Offer your handkerchief or a tissue to someone if he or she needs it—but only if it is a clean handkerchief or a dry tissue.

YOU DON’T

Offer someone a dirty handkerchief or a damp tissue.

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Why

The sight of a dirty handkerchief or tissue can be really disgusting—and it can spread germs.

A gentleman washes his hands after he sneezes, especially if he has a cold.

A gentleman throws his used tissues in the trash as soon as he can. He does not let them pile up on his desk or, even worse, on a table at a restaurant.

A gentleman does not pick his nose in public.