Etiquette: Lopez Mistakenly Congratulates Miss America 2006

Dear Reader,

One of my favorite television programs for my children growing up was the Miss America pageant. I have been watching it since 1943 and haven't missed a year. My mother used to make egg creams for my children and we would all gather around the television and watch the glamour as a family. Much has happened with the pageant lately; it just isn't what it used to be. We are drawn to so many other television opportunities that such a show has simply lost its luster. What a shame...

To my point to-day, I wanted to note an egregious error made by the host of the 2007 Miss America pageant, Mr. Mario Lopez. Although Mr. Lopez was a charming host for the majority of the pageant festivities, he made one mistake--he congratulated Miss America 2006 when she announced her betrothal and upcoming nuptials. Any true gentleman knows that it is most impolite to congratulate a lady on the announcement of her engagement, as if it were some unfathomable feat for her to obtain a man. Any other salutation would be appropriate here, e.g., "best wishes", "how wonderful", etc. Congratulations are always in order, however, for the groom-to-be.

Keep reading my posts as not to make etiquette mistakes. You never know when you may be on live television!

Until next time...

HF