"The English never smash in a face. They merely refrain from asking it to dinner"

This quote by Margaret Halsey is an amusing way of stating that the English are courteous as well as civil in their communications with others. It indicates that the English are not confrontational and also instead prefer to take a more diplomatic technique to solving conflicts. The quote recommends that the English are more probable to avoid a circumstance that could lead to a physical altercation, such as not welcoming someone to dinner, as opposed to considering violence. This remains in contrast to various other societies which may be most likely to make use of physical force to resolve disputes. The quote additionally suggests that the English are most likely to make use of passive-aggressive tactics to reveal their annoyance with someone, as opposed to turning to physical violence. This quote is an amusing means of highlighting the English society's preference for politeness and also respect over physical battle.