Seems I recall one etiquette rule (British?), that the gentleman walk on the outside or next to the kerb/curb and protect the lady from carriage splashes or other refuse (horse manure?) thrown up from the street. (I had 19th century relatives.)
Most British men still do that, albeit unconsciously most of the time.
Seems I recall one etiquette rule (British?), that the gentleman walk on the outside or next to the kerb/curb and protect the lady from carriage splashes or other refuse (horse manure?) thrown up from the street.
*****************************
I was raised in Dallas TX in the ‘40s-’50s. Men always walked on the curb side of the sidewalk, with the women on the inside. Even in the late ‘60s that was generally the rule. I haven’t been to a downtown area in many years, so don’t know if it’s still done.
You mean make the bitch walk closer to the buildings so she gets the chamberpots emptied on her and not you!
That’s what I recall from “The Golden Book Encyclopedia”, appx 1961.
Not just British - also French and others... considered a common etiquette. Was in my Naval Officers etiquette manual as well. I always walk on the road side of my wife to this day - provided there is not a reason to do otherwise. Open doors for her too.