Quote of the Day (P. J. O'Rourke, on ‘Greeting Inflation’)

“The importance of conspicuousness in modern life has led to the phenomenon of ‘greeting inflation.’ Once, even the closest friends greeted each other with a polite bow. Today such reticence is almost extinct. A loud ‘Sweetheart,’ a slap on the back, chuck on the arm, tousling of hair, and a cheerful ‘Have a nice day!’ will do if you don't know a person at all. But if you have even the slightest acquaintance with someone, it is usual to embrace him physically no matter what the circumstances. If you're carrying a briefcase or package, just throw it into the gutter. This makes a dramatic gesture of good fellowship.”— American humorist P. J. O'Rourke, “The Fundamentals of Contemporary Courtesy,” in Modern Manners: An Etiquette Book for Rude People (1989)