Two books from my childhood (though written 11 yrs before I was born) were “What Do You Do, Dear?” and “What Do You Say, Dear?” by Sesyle Joslin.

The books offer a funny approach to manners. For instance, if a lady, captive on a pirate ship, drops her handkerchief while walking the plank, “What do you do, Dear?” Or, if a nice gentleman introduces you to a baby elephant, “What do you say, Dear?”

The titles of the books came to my mind recently, after reading an email from my nephew. Continue reading “What Do You Do, Dear?” →