Good Manners: Why they are Important 

Welcome back. I feel uplifted already. The world needs more of this spirit and content.

I thoroughly enjoy listening to the differences and similarities between the people raised in different countries. Please continue to speak about different countries and give us a worldly understanding.

From Austin, Texas we salute you Sonya and Hugo! And yes, good manners matter, now and always!

One word: service. There is beauty in conducting any encounter which invites your fellow human being to elevate her/himself. Thank you for this splendid episode, Sonya & Hugo.

the loss of general politeness should have a spotlight, we are far too reluctant to give our fellow man any degree of decent basic behavior. it is good to know that some people still care about it.

People remember how you make them feel. Good manners does this. Thank you both for this revisit to something that may not be natural to everyone but can be learned and improved on

My late Grandfather taught me to be a gentlemen. Even if manners aren’t appreciated, I still hold the door for anyone and say thank you.

As an American in the Midwest, I have been learning more about refining my style thru sites such as yours. Kindness to others, as well as being well dressed is showing care. Rebellious teens, such as I used to be, used phrases such as "me first", "second place is for losers", etc. Competition was so prevelant. In modern times, with women speaking out, society is learning more about how others are often harmed by our behavior. Not my intention to ever harm anyone but the voice that is impatient and loud does disturb the atmosphere. We learn as we grow up. Thank you for the video discussions.

Manners are extremely important. Dressing well is good manners. It is important to be courteous and to treat people with kindness.

This is without a doubt top 3 channels to follow in my opinion. A large amount of important knowlage that is very hard to come by today. I am happy to say that my daughter find you both interesting, and choose to listen to the podcasts with me over doing the usual "teenstuff".

My Nanny (Grandmother) used to say manners are the grease that keeps the world turning. She was a wise woman.

Thank you for this great episode! What you are talking about is so important in this time. You did not actually use the word ”love” but I think we’re not that far from it when manners, consideration and behavior are in question. Us humans have a built in need to be respected (loved) and it is actually very simple to make other feel this as you describe it, yet, it is so simple to forget it, too. Let us remember to love and respect one another and the world will be a better place!

As someone who's a bit on the younger side, I believe manners are so important and that we need to place more emphasis in society on how we treat others. Manners are such an important tool for us to ensure we leave people feeling respected and my grandmother always taught me that people will rarely remember the things you said or did, but they will always remember how you made them FEEL. This was such a great and poignant discussion and I'm looking forward to hearing more of these upcoming discussions!

Dear Hugo and Sonya, First of all, thanks very much for a new episode of the ‘podcast-style.’ A very pertinent topic indeed. The way I would sum up the discussion: “Treat others the same way you would like to be treated.” The clothing you wear can supplement these good manners. I work in a school and I am the only person who wears a tie and dress shirt but I do it because I believe it is about dressing for the occasion and respecting my position as a professional. When Hugo was discussing the word “thou”, I was laughing out loud. If only we still used such elegant words haha. When Hugo said: “they remember your manners and not your outfit!” that is so true! Both of you are the embodiment of this very thing! On a slightly different note, I have spent a lot of time recently catching up the old podcasts and content. I recently discovered the documentary about your religious journey from a few years back. I found it profoundly moving. Also, I have taken the next step on my sartorial journey recently - moving from chinos to flannel and cotton pants. Many thanks for the inspiration. Your friend in England.

I loved this video! Good manners are more important and tells more about one person than good clothing. A well tailored suit can make you outstand, but good manners make you unforgettable. Blessings to both of you Hugo and Sonya.

I grew up the youngest of 5 in a family with intelligent, hard working parents who never had the financial means to further their education. They never complained and raised us with love, joy, faith and a sense of abundance. It was only later, as an adult, that I found out from my older siblings how poor we had actually been at times. Our parents hid that well from us. They created opportunities for us that they did not have. I now live on the side of town that my mother used to clean houses in and how i wish i still had her to spoil her with love and provide for her. We were able to attend university and pursue the careers that we wanted. Our parents raised us on the principle that we can be or do whatever we want to. They would never hound us over school grades but insisted that we had manners at all times and this was a great founding principle. My family were never distinguished by any wealth or renown, but we are still known and spoken of for being polite. We are in turn raising our own children to have good manners as well. Sadly we lost our parents over the last two years. I miss them terribly and strive to uphold their values and manners. At any event, I can recognise that you are polite and well-raised. No doubt this is a credit to your own parents and their upbringing. I have just discovered your videos, but had a sense in a previous video that you seem to also be a Christian! Thank you for all of this content, I am really enjoying it and will seek out your books.

Excellent video. Good manners make the world a much more decent & more elegant place. There’s always time for good manners & kind gestures. Far too much ugliness in the world.

Hello Sonya and Hugo. I love watching all of your videos. Common sense is one of the best attributes you can have as a person and watching the both of you discuss it is fantastic. I hope more and more people watch your videos and become better people by doing so. It’s just so nice to know that people still strive to have great manners and behave appropriately in situations. God bless the both of you. Dino, Brisbane Australia.

Sonya is glowing today! Nice to see the two of you together. Manners is normally actually, very sad it isn't. You have manners by always responding back to what I write thank you. If I hadn't gotten a response back I probably wouldn't have watched your videos.

I loved rewatching it. What a joy to hear that kind of opinion, go on !

Excellent discussion about a very important subject - “manners”. You work in an industry fuelled by ego and self, so it is refreshing to have discovered your modest style and personality. I was interested to hear you talk unashamedly of your Christian Faith, and it’s clear to see, your Christian values are the bedrock of your wonderful character! It’s been a joy and an inspiration to discover both you and Sonia. 🤗

Always a pleasure to listening to you. Thank you for the moment.

I love your explanation of the different reality. An example that I give to my students, and think it is also in our book, "Haute 'luxury' Branding' is that when shoppers enter into a store in France, instead of being greeted with bows as in Japan or a 'Hi, Are you here to see the new collection? etc they will walk into the store and start looking around and will be totally shocked when the store attendant says "Bonjour" often in a seemingly aggressive manner. They don't understand that in France the visitor must greet the host and others first. Why is that? Well I believe that the concept of 'Maison' is the reason why. In France, the boutique traditionally was a home. You cannot walk into someone's home without greeting them and ideally, you request a visit in advance. Imagine simply walking into someone's home and going straight to the fridge or open their wardrobe without even greeting them. So visitors must assume that they are entering into a home and act accordingly. Hope you agree :)

I've always said that if comes down to this: If you want respect, act respectable.

Oh, I like the new title line, "Hugo Jacomet presents Sartorial Talks." Nice! Cheers, dear friends! 🇺🇲❤🇫🇷

I was also so happy to hear you both talk about your Christian faith. It made me very happy to hear how the two of you actually try to apply scriptural principles in your manners. As a Christian myself, I am always concerned with making sure in my manners, the way I speak and how I interact with other people is for the glory of God and to try and emulate Christlikeness in my manners and interactions with others. There is a sermon by John MacArthur titled ‘The Starting Point of Sanctification that I both recommend you listen to, thinking about these scriptures he teaches on in relation to how we present ourselves was very interesting to me. Would love to hear what the two of you think.

Splendid conversation. Very interesting. The travel elegantly would be fascinating

I think good manners is also being considerate of others. Thinking of the other person, being respectful always and making them feel confortable around you. Being a good listener and responding when you’ve thought about what you will respond. Never fill your plate leave enough so someone else can eat too behind you. Being considerate and co duct yourself properly. I love this discussion.

I love you both so much more now to know you are believers and speak His name! 🕊

In business, we talk about emotional intelligence and servant leadership. I agree, there are American constructs that make it difficult when you are not focused on the act. It’s important to keep this dialogue at the forefront… just like washing our hands, we should practice and be reminded often.

Great video. A take on why French people seem rude (specifically to Americans). My girlfriend and I recently traveled to France for the first time, and everyone warned us that the French would be rude, which was not the case, but we came to the conclusion that this perception comes from American social expectation that forces being nice. And this expectation carries over when a lot of Americans who travel, who then find that the French are not forcing it, rather they are just being themselves, and to many that appears rude even though it is not. All and all France was amazing!

Without a doubt, good manners are and will continue to be something that will set you apart in this world and help you succeed in many ways. Thanks for the video

I was a bit surprised yesterday, as the RU-vid algorithm took me on an odd journey, to have stumbled upon a video where (of all people), Lemmy Killmister from the heavy metal band Motorhead actually echoed many of the sentiments in this video rigorously defended the virtues of being "gentlemanly" and that "good manners cost nothing".

Thank you both for such a thoughtful, civilized presentation. You are the epitome of natural manners and elegance because you have decided to make these characteristics part of the core of who you are. Please continue with your excellent RU-vid and Podcast episodes.

Comme c’est rafraîchissant de vous entendre tous les deux. Ce sujet des manières est tout simplement captivant. J’adore ce concept et j’ai hâte d’écouter vos prochaines capsules. Bravo!!!

Good evening Hugo and Sonya, it’s a true pleasure to see you both back on RU-vid, I hope that this finds you both well, and may I say great content and a fantastic subject matter, I was always taught as a child it doesn’t matter what stour social status maybe, manners cost you nothing, be polite, be kind, and i truly believe that you can’t go wrong, good to see you both again, kind regards Ryan.

What a lovely start to the weekend !!! finally the Sartorial Avengers back again with full strength ,in super outfits)))),,, just lovely ,,,,Love & respect to you from Cairo.

Great video. Like you said, the manners are the bridge between what you think and what you do. Congratulations to you both.

Missed you two ! Such a wonderful channel - in a world that is crumbling before our very eyes.

Always a pleasure watching a new video.

Thank you for the video. I share your opinions and pain. Greetings from Tallinn, Estonia.

I click "like" even before watching your clip. You're always wonderful! Thank you!

I must say that I hesitated to watch this video because, A, I think you both have such good manners in general and that I think I share those same intentions. So I thought there wouldn't be much to gain. I am glad I did because of the careful way you approached the subject. I do appreciate that you express yourselves so gracefully, and take great care to show others in their best light. I did appreciate Sonya's mention of the American travelers at the airport lounge talking about their wealth with seeming strangers. I hope you can share more examples of this, and explain why other people think this overly familiar engagement with strangers is so disagreeable. I think it might be of some value to us Americans (broadly speaking) who have not learned the customs of other countries, to see how that is perceived. On that note I don't often hear such talk from two groups of Americans: The very rich and the very poor. That is to say, the old money and the never had money have the best manners in America. Thank you again for your enjoyable and informative videos.

When my Wife and I visited Paris I found French people to be pleasant. The trick I feel is to make an effort to speak some French to respect the language. I found this is the case in Montreal as well. The French speaking people are proud of their language, making an effort to communicate even if only by excusing yourself and giving thanks in French makes a tremendous difference.

Thank you for this video. Former American living in Bâle, en Suisse. Sadly, the belief in America that the French are rude is true. In fact, there was a lawsuit in California against a waiter in a restaurant. The patron claimed that the waiter was extremely rude. The waiter's defense was: "Of course, I am French." In contrast, however, my experience in entirely to the contrary. I find the French to be polite and generous-even in Paris.

You are such a beautiful couple❤. I enjoyed your conversation very much and loved watching your interaction with each other.

Thank you for your video. Manners are vital to our good relationship with spouse, children, people in general. Good reminder 🙂

Sonya you look so beautiful, Hugo you also,.....real beauty comes from inside not "just from outside". And in your case it is a perfect symbiosis of both. Greetings from a fan in Luxembourg👌😌🙏

Beautiful couple. Congratulations for the channel

I think of good manners as lubrication for moving smoothly through society. You just need a thin layer of light oil. Sometimes a glance and an acknowledging nod is all you need.

Thanks again Mr. & Mrs. Jacomet, for another thought provoking and insightful Video 🎥 on Sartorial Talks. I've been fascinated by the Italian Renaissance for a while now and even before that the Islamic Renaissance in Spain, which btw, were Masters in Textiles👔👞 and Architecture🏛 and was an influence later on for the rest of Europe and patricularly Florence Italy🇮🇹. A lot of the way we view ourselves today comes from the Renaissance period in the 15th Century under the Patronage,support and Court of Lorenzo di Medici. Giovanni Delacazza and other Humanist leaning Citizens wrote down Books📚 of Etiquette 🍽🍛🍷🍴and also Codes of Business🏦💰 relations During the Italian Renaissance that still resonates with us today. The ideas and sentiments of Self Control and Social cohesiveness became a social must at that time so many Century's ago. Even today these Societal pleasantries and respect for others is still a social must in our own times. Thanks again Hugo & Sonya. Best regards, -Angelo

As a military officer, etiquette changes depending on the setting. A military dining out or the officers mess has very different etiquette than the same company out in the field, and also very different from a regular dinner at home with my family. But I would hope that no one would consider me to have bad manners! Maybe you two could explore the difference between etiquette and manners in a future video.

After having lived in many countries in Europe and visiting a number of other countries, I have to say that Latin America is where good manners are best preserved.

Merci pour cette vidéo. La comparaison entre les Etats-Unis et la France concernant la façon de se faire des amis est très interessante.

This is a GREAT episode! Thank you!

Excellent discussion as usual ! It reminds me of a video on RU-vid I watched which had a rather poignant title 'Beauty in an age of ugliness' ! Who would not want to aspire to elevate him or herself out of this age and seek beauty in all aspects of life ? Un but noble dans tous ses aspects !

Well done good souls!

Elegance for me means the quality of being graceful and stylish. It may or may not make other people feel at ease but the elegant person should appear to be at ease with themselves and with their surroundings.

On my personal experience when I visited both France and New York was a wonderful time, people were polite even do is true that in France when you go to a restaurant you have to be patient because even for you to pay they are in no hurry, in NYC we left a bag in one store and the person ran after us a big distance just to give the bag back to us.

Welcome back to the Jacomets!! I appreciate your topic..I like to engage in the things you speak here around manners, respects, considerations, sincerity and honor as you have relationships with people. Doing this is a lost art!! It stands out even more when one is to attuned to these traits because so many don't engage in these little things that mean alot , in the moment, to enrich other people's lives. And as a Amerxian, I hate how we all learn, like by default, in talking to others by leading with the whole material thing dissertation when we meet others. I hate this and try to avoid these kinds of introductions

Thank you for this so interesting discussion about good manners. You form a so lovely couple, really elegant ans so well mannered! I think the last traditional finishing school that still exists in Europe is the Institut Villa Pierrefeu in Switzerland, established in 1954, and quite prestigious (Lady Diana studied there!). In the USA, they used to be called also charm schools. In my opinion too, elegance and manners are obviously linked, they make, as Hugo said, a bridge between your apparence and your personality, feelings, thoughts and of course your behavior. I think that manners never are oppressive, paradoxically they give to you an art of inner liberty. Manners aren’t artificial, they become a second nature, just like elegance. That’s why perhaps even when you are alone you can behave with manners. Unfortunately, I must confess that French people are rude, we can see and experiment that sad reality everyday and everywhere. It’s a paradox because France is the country where manners appeared first, at the court of Versailles. Incivility, in my opinion, has become a great problem. Manners and elegance too, as you said in an other discussion in the French channel, have to do with spirituality, even in the religious sens of the world. In know that any elegant and highly educated persons are also trying to reach the way of their sanctification. Finally, I would say that manners aren’t “aristocratic”, but for everyone and they should become a “way of life” with confidence and joy, respecting and interacting in a highly civilized way. Thank you so much for this amazing dialogue and we are waiting for the next one and perhaps a similar discussion in the French channel. With all my kind regards, Philippe

Great video and a very big topic. I think the others video on this matther will be great as well. I think manners are strictly related to the sensibility and the culture of a person.

I think many rude people are rude because they do not realize they are rude. They may even think they are polite! Good manners takes attention, you must be aware of your own behavioural habits and fix your weak points! Not being aware of ones own flaws is the worst mistake to make (second to being an earnest asshole of course haha)

The real “Gentleman”

The perception that the French people are globally rude comes from a few things: 1) the waiter point (because tourists all eat at restaurants, they all experience this) 2) "French" for most Americans is actually Parisian, 3) the French insistence that you start with "Bonjour," whereas the American who does not speak French, giving it his best effort, thinks mustering excusez-moi is a correct way to interrupt someone (because "excuse me" would be), and the French will pretend not to hear him because he didn't start with "bonjour." As far as "you" vs "thou" - "thou" was familiar, so by using "you" with everyone we are formal with everyone. A true story: my friend, in Paris, asked a man on the street "excusez-moi, ou est le banque." The response was "le banque? LA banque" and then the man walked away.

I had these kinds of classes I think, but it was called social hygiene, nothing to do with actual hygiene but just being courteous, well mannered, communicate well. Pay attention to dress for the occassion, never drink from the bottle, do not draw all the attention to yourself, mind your surroundings, know the culture and do not offend, be a good host. It was not long or very indepth from what I remember.

I struggle with gossip, being critical and keeping calm. M.

I was so thrilled when I heard that you are both Christians who trust in Jesus Christ! I have been really enjoying your videos and passion for what you do, knowing that you’re also Christians makes me appreciate your content that much more!

Im a teenager living in San Diego California and know a lot of people who went to finishing school. People here seem to call it cotillion.

We missed you two! Just a little piece of data: the most elite finishing schools are now to be found in Switzerland (been the case for the past four decades) and (don’t drop your drinks) China. They have now become the destination for the children of the nouveau riche billionaire progeny who have come from nowhere and are searching for some kind of aspirational code of social conduct. Finishing schools are no longer about manners, they are now about contrived elitist etiquette.

Where can we find the conversation about class.

I know it's not related to this video, but I would really enjoy watching your take on muscular physiques in the sartorial world. How to manage a different frame from the norm. I've found it quite difficult to dress the way I would like.

Excellent subject. Unfortunately it seems there is a loss of interest and consideration for good manners. One of the issue and consequence of that is that then showing good manners is mistaken by others with flirtation. It happens to me often, holding the door, even only saying 'hello' and similing and both men and women interpret this as interest towards them. This is really sad and shows how it's hard to communicate and have civilized conversation in our times.

Thank you for this! One of the things that bothers me about life in the 21st century. Especially at the dining table.

In portuguese this is called “etiqueta”

hello hugo and sonya ,in my opinion the good manners starts from the family at very young age ,the kid mimic the behaviour of the parents has nothing to do with money love and respect are the priciples when the kid grow important role play the school and the teachers because the kid learn the social rules and manners for first time thats why teaching is not a proffecion is a social service .thank you

Hello, I’m only watching this video now, but I will say something about the internet, since I’ve been using it for a very long time. In its beginnings, the internet was made for everyone, but only hypothetically. There was no Facebook, there was no Twitter, there was no RU-vid and most people had no access to it. Therefore it was a small group of people, usually more educated and intelligent. I would compare it to a group of people. When you’re talking to a group of 5 people, you can talk normally. When you’re in a room of 500 people and talk normally, most of them will not even register you. So if you want most of them to hear you, you have to draw attention to yourself and speak louder.

Good manners are important because they let other people know that you’re not a pig. Oh, and they’re a vehicle for showing respect to others.

Hello Hugo, thank you for good topic idea. You present topics in a nice, insightful and calm way. I wish I was able to watch the full video but perhaps at a later time when the style of your videos change slightly. Great content 👋

Americans are more informal and friendly. I wouldn’t confuse this with being friends.

So. I have heard the stereotype of "French people are rude" (also apologies for making a bunch of posts I just found this topic increadibly interesting.) But, whenever I hear people who make this claim it's either second hand or specifically Paris as the cornerstone of this assumption. It really is an incorrect assumption as well. One: not everyone in Paris is rude and two: it depends on the scenario. You are just as likely to meet rude Americans in big cities. So singling out the French in this way is kind of toxic. What I will say is that the people of France are as varied as any other and personally I have never met a rude Frenchman or woman. It's important to remember on big cities people are often rushing around getting from one place to another and it is unfair to judge a people based on this very specific sotuation.

The reputation of the French being rude was started by Johnny Carson on his Tonight Show in the early 70's. From some time in the early 70's thru to his retirement, every time "France" or "French" was mentioned, Johnny would comment on how rude the French were and he often told a story about being treated rudely by a French person. Other celebrities would comment how Johnny was correct about the French and tell their stories of rude treatment. Not just when guests on his show but when on other programs they would refer to what Johnny was saying about the French. Johnny got a virtual snowball about French rudeness rolling downhill. My personal experience is that by far the worst and most numerous incidence of being treated rudely abroad is from other Americans. So much so that I do not speak to Americans unless spoken to first.

It is very unfortunate to see how vile most people behave when it comes to etiquette and manners. Take the comment section of Gentleman’s Gazette about table manners.

Manners is partly about putting others first. M.

Manners maketh man.

Wait a minute You told us that she was a journalist.But now she says that she did not finish school? Did we miss something? 🤔

You know a good example of good manners? Stop calling the grown up and elegant woman next to you “baby”. What a shame.

Great video. Both of my grand mothers came from England. They were hard core on manners. Table manners are all but extinct anymore. And much much more.

Good manners coupled with dressing well, and guess what, in general, people will treat you with respect. It really is that simple.

"Emapthy / Cultural sensitivity / Situational awareness". Well done Hugo and Sonya.

👍🤩💝Awesome discussion. I adore you both. There is no substitute for good manners. Good manners and a little bit of class will open opportunities and take you places money can’t (or can) snd the respect you receive for having good manners is something that can’t be bought. Wishing you both continued success and wellness. 💝

What I love about your channel Hugo and Sonya is that there are peaple these days that are glad to follow the channel. Verry well done, everything til now. Maybe there is still hope for a descent humanity 😀 great!

Sonya & Hugo, I feel the most deep sense of admiration towards your cruzade for a better world through the perfectment of ourselves as a whole, not only image but essence. Using this modern platform to encourage something that humanity deeply needs more than ever, to civilize ourselves, is a demostration of commitment and pasion that is rare to find in this machiavelic world of today. Thank You so much!!

Always very nice to watch this show! Merci beaucoup Mr. Jacomet

I am originally from Texas. I'm half mexican half British. It's interesting to see because often times here in the states you hear of Finishing School in New England or perhaps some parts of the south, but in Texas there is a kind of "frontier politeness" that still exists and centers a little around the etiquette of the cowboy hat. While the hat itself may be a representation it's not the keystone but rather the entrance to it. It's expected that if you are going to sport a proper cowboy hat the manners and dress need to go along with it.

Good manners make the men raise up and the women shine! They are a must!

The lack of manners today is appalling. I learned manners and norms while serving in the Military and they have stayed with me.

As an American, I want to defend us a little bit from that image of the globe-trotting braggart American: middle and lower income Americans do *not* believe it is polite to discuss wages/income. In fact, it is a problem because this aversion to discussing salary inhibits negotiations for higher wages in the hiring process or for raises later on and abets unfair wage disparities. If one comes from the Midwest in the US, it comes off as rude to brag too much about your possessions, accomplishments, or good fortune. Of course, pop culture and social media have been eroding that taboo. Most Americans cannot afford to vacation abroad, so these types you’re talking about in French shops or international airports are just a thin slice of us. The dropping “friends” as fast as we make them thing is spot-on, though, much to the loneliness of us who value close friendship more seriously.

Sonya, Hugo - beautiful start to a series I am very much looking forward to! Thank you. Love from Sofia❤

Hahaha I loved the commentary on Twitter. I'm thinking right now about the contrast between "@ dieworkwear" (Derek Guy, the Menswear Guy) over there and this channel. I guess Twitter worked out for Derek because it got him a quarter million followers, but in a way it was a Pyrrhic victory. His writing - longer-form essays and guides - is actually wonderful. It has some overlap with Sartorial Talks or Parisian Gentleman, but it's magisterially written and covers a greater range of (in)formality. But Derek's decision to play in the arena of the ill-mannered - the potshots and ratios, the mud fights where people handily expose his defensiveness and insecurity - make it very hard to take him seriously. RU-vid, podcasts, blogs, and print media seem like better formats if you have meaningful ideas that you hope to share broadly.