More fleeing from the 1950's

Another amusing bit of etiquette practiced during the 1950's - bows. (No, not something involving a shoe laces or ribbons.)  From what I can gather from the Amy Vanderbilt etiquette book - people (at least in the USA) didn't always shake hands when greeting each other.

One question asks about the differences between a man's bow and a woman's.  According to Ms. Vanderbilt, a man's bow is a modification of the deep bow he learned as a boy in dancing class.  After the bow, the woman might offer to shake hands.  Or not.  A lady's bow is a slight inclination of the head, usually accompanied by a smile.  She might then offer to shake hands. 

Please bear in mind, according to Ms. Vanderbilt - no one properly refuses to return a bow.

In a related question, a woman asked if ladies are already seated at a luncheon table are introduced to each other, do they shake hands?  Ms. Vanderbilt said, "No, they bow.  In this country there is very little shaking hands between women."

Oh, my.

Papillon