Ediquette with Non-Elders
When speaking with kindred who, either because of being younger in years or
less fortunate in their breeding than yourself, remember at all times that
merely by hearing them out, you are marking them as favoured and
improving their own status. Expect them to be grateful for this sign of favour
and to show it in respect for your opinions and deferment to your superior
judgement and experience.
Whilst their opinions may be shallow, narrow-minded or simply foolish, by
encouraging lower status kindred to offer their thoughts, you are preparing
the ground for the day when their thoughts may genuinely be worth
something. So it is worth cultivating an air of attentiveness, nod from time to
time, ask polite questions by rephrasing their last sentence while you are
occupied with other thoughts. If indeed it is something that you may need to
devote attention to, it may be advisable to ask the cainite to offer his opinions
in writing so that you may give them the attention they deserve.
If, for any reason, you need to rebuke a lower status kindred be aware of
whether the infringement was intended or simply due to ignorance. Not all
kindred are fortunate enough to have as good a grasp on the social niceties as
you do yourself, gentle reader. A lesson in etiquette from an elder is
something which not all kindred will see as a gift and may need to be pointed
out more forcefully. However, it shoud be possible to do this without
resorting to a show of strength, in fact it is desirable to avoid a show of