The Proper Engagement Etiquette for Couples!

We will now regard the pair of lovers as formally engaged, and bound together in that state of approximation to marriage

The conduct of the bridegroom-elect should be marked by a gallant and affectionate attitude towards his ladylove--a devotement easily felt and understood, but not so easy to define. That of the lady towards him should manifest delicacy, tenderness, and confidence; while looking for his thorough devotion to herself, she should not captiously take offence and show airs at his showing the same kind of attention to other ladies as she, in her turn, would not hesitate to receive from the other sex.

In the behavior of a gentleman towards his engaged in public, little difference should be perceptible from his demeanor to other ladies, except in those minute attentions which none but those who love can properly understand or appreciate.

In private, the slightest approach to inappropriate familiarity must be avoided; indeed, it is pretty certain to be resented by every woman who deserves to be a bride. The lady's honor is now in her lover's hands, and he should never forget in his demeanor to and before her that she is to be his future wife.

It is the privilege of the engaged lover, as it is also his duty, to give advice to the fair one who now implicitly confides in him. Should he detect a fault, should he observe failings, which he would wish removed or amended, let him avail himself of this season, so favorable for the frank interchange of thought between the pair, to urge their correction.

He will find a ready listener; and any judicious counsel offered to her by him will now be gratefully received and remembered in after life. After marriage it may be too late; for advice on trivial points of conduct may be resented by the wife as an unnecessary interference: now, the fair and loving creature is disposed like pliable wax in his hands to mould herself to his reasonable wishes in all things.