“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)
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