During the 18th century, well-bred ladies and gentlemen practiced a set of courtesies and manners called gentility. Gentility involved more than just the way you treated other people. It included language and learning. Certain activities were considered genteel, and others were considered common or vulgar.

To become a gentleman or gentlelady required wealth. Those who had money could pay for lessons in social graces and had the leisure time to practice their manners. Many activities were gender specific--that is, young ladies took part in different activities than young gentlemen.

First, explore some 18th-century activities. Then, you may create a Character Collage to see how well you select appropriate activities for a genteel lifestyle.