Interpersonal Relationship Lessons From George Washington
‘Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation’ offers interesting relationship insights
Advice about interpersonal relationships can come from many sources — friends, family, psychologists, or even the first president of the United States.
As a child, George Washington worked on a classroom project where he copied the 16th-century list of suggestions for proper behavior, the Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation*. Although the language of these quotes is antiquated, many of the ideas presented in the document are still relevant and can inform our interpersonal relationships today.
1. “Show nothing to your friend that may affright him.”
2. “Be no flatterer, neither play with any that delight not to be played withal.”
3. “Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another though he were your enemy.”
4. “In visiting the sick, do not presently play the physician if you be not knowing therein.”
5. “Do not express joy before one sick in pain, for that contrary passion will aggravate his misery.”
